Lone Soldiers Program | Nefesh B'Nefesh FIDF https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:01:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Guide to a Religious Army Service https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/guide-to-a-religious-army-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-a-religious-army-service Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:55:14 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/?p=89109

There are a wide range of programs available for religious men and women drafting into the IDF, ensuring a religious service and acclimation to civilian life, if necessary. Read more to learn about the programs offered by the army and other private organizations.

Website

The Hesder program combines Yeshiva study with active service in the IDF, and is a joint effort between recognized Yeshivot of the Igud Yeshivot Hahesder and the IDF. Depending on your date of Aliyah and your Age of Arrival, the program runs a total of 32-44 months. Hesder participants must complete a mandatory year in Yeshiva (Shana Aleph), followed by 6-10 additional months of learning after which they will complete 17 months active service, and finish with additional learning time.

The draft dates for Hesder Yeshivot are in March and August, depending on the Yeshiva, which enable the students to enlist into a wide variety of units and jobs, according to their medical and mental profiles. Hesder students draft into a unit together and are able to live out of the Yeshiva during their service.

Mahal Hesder (for those who have not yet made Aliyah) is the same as Hesder and Hesder Olim, except in regards to the length of Yeshiva time needed. Participants in Mahal Hesder cannot have spent more than 18 cumulative months in Israel and must be between the ages of 18-21. Making Aliyah during Shalat (Unpaid service time) prior to, or during, active service qualifies the soldier for a 6 month deduction on the length of the Hesder Olim program, leaving them with a 32 month service.

Website

Netzach Yehuda is a combat battalion in the Kfir brigade, dedicated to Haredim that want to serve in the IDF. It is a unit that helps integrate Haredim into Israeli society without compromising on their values, such as: Minyanim, Kashrut, Tzniut and Limud Torah. Soldiers in Netzach Yehuda serve with like-minded people in a comfortable environment. This unit has won various awards of excellence from the IDF and other organizations. In order to be eligible for this program, soldiers must be between the ages of 18-21 and pass the required interview after their Tzav Rishon. Placement into a specific unit is based on the soldier’s medical profile from their Tzav Rishon. (THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES AN INTERVIEW PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE)

Unit Conditions:

  • Ensured religious lifestyle
  • Strictly male only
  • All food will be Mehadrin
  • Daily Minyanim and Shiurim

Website

These units are very similar to Netzach Yehuda, although on a smaller scale. Tomer is made up of a single platoon in the Givati brigade, with Hetz being in Tzanchanim. The acceptance interview is more intense and singles out those that were brought up and maintain a strict Haredi lifestyle, and hold maintaining that lifestyle as a high priority.

In order to be eligible for this program, soldiers must be between the ages of 18- 21 and pass the required interview after their Tzav Rishon. Soldiers in this unit must have studied in a Haredi Yeshiva, or live the lifestyle of someone defined as Haredi, and must have a profile of 82 or above.

Unit Conditions

  • All conditions of Netzach Yehuda
  • Rabbinical visits on Shabbat
  • Mentor that has been through the system for support and guidance

This program gives soldiers from Netzach Yehudah, Tomer, Hetz and Maganei Hanegev (Air Force) the option to take off their last year of service in order to use that time to catch up on their education, enabling them to get a job and start a career. The requirements that need to be met in order to receive the Shnat Mesima are living a Haredi lifestyle and attending a Haredi school or institution prior to enlistment. For those coming from overseas it is based on their present status, and schooling abroad will not be taken into account – but can still help. An interview is mandatory before being accepted.

The Shnat Mesima can be spent in one of the following educational frameworks:
• Mechina Academit (education college)
• Coursim Miktzuyim (trade school)
• Limudei Torah

This program is for those that already have a degree, or want to learn in a specific program in Yeshivat Derech Chaim; eligibility is up until 23 years of age. There are two track options in this program:

1. Yeshivat Derech Chaim (ages 18-22); for those who want to learn Torah and complete a degree at the same time. It involves 30 hours per week of Yeshiva learning and 20 hours per week of working towards a degree. There is a 1:20 ratio of teachers to students.

2. Academizatia (ages 18-23); an option for those who already possess a degree and would like to work and serve in that field, if relevant. They would serve in the same conditions as Shachar, the only difference being that the degree was done privately and not through the IDF.

Website

Shachar is a program for people between the ages of 21-28 (also 18-21 if married) that want to do a degree or professional training through the army. They will receive a degree or diploma and complete their service in the IDF, after which they will be able to enter the workforce with skills and experience.

Timeline for Shachar:
• Basic training: 3-5 weeks with daily Torah Shiur and Minyan
• Courses in English and math, if necessary, for the planned degree or diploma (Hashlama)
• Release from active service to complete studies in an army institution or outside of the IDF, depending on the degree or diploma
• Upon completion of the degree, diploma or training, the soldier will use their training complete their army service
• Discharge, support and guidance
• Professional counseling for civilian life

Conditions in Shachar:
• Assigned to a base near their home
• Male-only units
• Live at home, work regular hours (for example 9:00-17:00) except in times of national emergency
• Monthly days in Yeshiva
• Mehadrin meals & daily minyanim

Lev LaChayal: This program provides a supportive Yeshiva environment to students who choose to serve in the IDF as lone soldiers.  The pre-Army portion of the program “covers all the bases”, combining high-level Torah study, IDF-designed physical training, and advanced Hebrew Ulpan and tours of the country.  Each individual receives the spiritual, ideological and physical preparation necessary to allow him to make his maximum contribution to the IDF.  Lev LaChayal offers personal guidance for each individual as he navigates through the potentially bewildering military and immigration bureaucracies, and with difficulties he may encounter during his service. Perhaps most importantly—Lev LaChayal offers a place where each lone soldier can call “home”, both during the pre-Army and the subsequent Army service. Lev LaChayal is open to both Olim and Mahal candidates (ages 19-25) who have previously spent at least one year in a Yeshiva program.The pre-Army program runs for 6 months, starting September preparing participants for the March draft and again in March for an August draft.

]]> Pre Army Plans/Mechinot https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/pre-army-plans-mechinot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pre-army-plans-mechinot Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:59:54 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/?p=89089

Joining the IDF is a big decision, and preparation is key. There are several different ways to prepare, with the big three goals coming to the forefront. The three main areas all future Lone Soldiers should spend some prep time are as follows: Hebrew language skills, mental fortitude, and physical fitness.

No matter where in the IDF you serve, whether as an aircraft technician or in a special forces unit, these three skills will prove necessary to varying degrees, and your command of them will greatly benefit your service. Several different types of programs exist with the aim of improving these crucial skills prior to drafting into the army, in the form of Mechinot and Ulpanim.

A Mechina is a pre-army program that can last anywhere from several months to most of a year. There are many different Mechinot, each with its own flavor, goals, student base, and routine. While most are geared towards Israelis and native Hebrew speakers and tend to usually focus on the mental and physical preparation for the IDF, there are several that cater to new immigrants and Hebrew learning.

One of the big benefits of making Aliyah is the chance to learn Hebrew in a highly subsidized manner. An Ulpan is a full time Hebrew course, and like Mechinot, there are several different styles. Some Ulpanim are located in the major cities, and allow for an urban lifestyle, and others are located on various kibbutzim throughout the country. Attending a Kibbutz Ulpan program is one of the most popular options for future Lone Soldiers, as it combines five months of Hebrew study, work on a kibbutz, and a great social atmosphere. 

For more information on mechinot you can check out the organization’s website

Below are some helpful links to different Mechinot and Ulpanim.

https://www.kolami.org.il/

https://kibbutzulpan.org/

https://ulpan.com/ 

https://archive.jewishagency.org/ulpanetzion 

]]> Army Preparation Courses for Olim Chadashim https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/army-preparation-courses-for-olim-chadashim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=army-preparation-courses-for-olim-chadashim Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:41:23 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/?p=88799

  • All Olim Chadashim with a low Hebrew level (determined by the IDF at your Tzav Rishon) will be required to begin their army service with a three-month Army Hebrew Course at the Michvei Elon base.
  • This course is devoted to giving Olim Chadashim the necessary Hebrew skills to succeed in the Army. The course includes one month of basic training. Those drafting as combat soldiers will do a more advanced level of basic training with their unit, following completion of the Hebrew course. Non-combat soldiers may be required to repeat basic training, depending on where they are placed.
  • Participating soldiers in this course will meet a placement officer near the end of the course to determine unit placement.
  • This course is conducted in December, March/April and August (preceding the March, August and November drafts).

Course Moledet (“Heritage Course”) was established in 2013 and takes place a number of times each year at Michve Alon. For males and females assigned to combat-support positions, the course takes place in March, July, and November and is seven weeks long. For males assigned to combat positions, the course takes place in February and October and is five weeks long, and is devoted to preparing these soldiers both mentally and physically for a successful army service in a combat unit. Candidates who are found eligible attend a general, half-hour interview at the Lishkat Giyus (Recruitment Office) to answer questions regarding their connection to Israel and desire to draft. Following the interview, candidates that fit the course’s criteria are then selected to attend the five-week course.

Can the course affect my placement?

Course Moledet does not interfere with the army’s placement procedures. Following the completion of the course, candidates who already received a job placement will continue to their respective fields. Candidates who did not yet receive a job placement will undergo an interview with a placement officer, and their overall performance in the course may affect their job placement.

What does the course entail?

The course covers a variety of different topics. During the course soldiers embark on tours throughout Israel, visiting museums, theatres, and government buildings. They explore their Jewish heritage, engage in Israeli culture, and study the structure of the Israeli government. In addition, they acquire tools and skills for adapting to the military system and ultimately complete basic training (level 02).

Can I skip Course Moledet and do Course Nativ instead?

Placement in Course Moledet is determined after your interview at the Lishkat Giyus. Candidates who are chosen for the course cannot receive an exemption. However, soldiers who wish to do Course Nativ are eligible to participate later in their military service.

]]> Assistance in Rent Payments For Released Soldiers https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/assistance-in-rent-payments-for-released-soldiers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=assistance-in-rent-payments-for-released-soldiers Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:35:07 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=85341

In recognition of your service in the IDF, during the first year after your release, the Department and Foundation for Released Soldiers, will provide financial assistance for housings costs of up to 12,000 NIS (up to 1,000 NIS per month for up to 12 consecutive months after your release).

Assistance will be provided upon showing official documents of your apartment’s (or house’s) current contract for your first year post-release, in addition to other official documents for those who are eligible (detailed below).

This benefit is granted in accordance with the Released Soldiers Absorption Law amendment (in update 19, from 2017) and is subjected to a limited budget.

The registration process must be completed, including the verification of the data, within two months of the application being submitted online, and no later than the end of the first year after release from the IDF.

In addition, it is recommended to check for eligibility for assistance in purchasing basic home appliances.

Who is eligible for these benefits?

  • Lone soldiers, that according to the army, are/were eligible for rent assistance through the end of their military service.
  • Lone soldiers that have completed the application and turned in all official documents required within the first year of their release (or the end of mandatory service, if signed on for additional time – “Keva”).
  • Lone soldiers whose leasing contract is updated and in effect for the first year post- release from the IDF.
  • For lone soldiers who have more than one contract within their first year post-release, their assistance will only be supplied for the duration of the first contract and upon submission of the second contract. If the contracts are continuous, the assistance will continue.

The leasing (apartment) contract must comply with the following requirements:

  • The contract must be under the name of the applicant (for the rent assistance), during the first year after release from the IDF/end of mandatory service, and the contract must state the date and time of the start and termination of the contract and the amount of monthly rent actually paid by the applicant. (Only relevant if living in Israel.
  • The contract must be signed by the applicant (tenant) and the property owner (leaser). Leasing contracts in which the applicant is a sub-tenant will not be accepted.
  • Contracts in which the leaser is the parent of the applicant will not be accepted.
  • It is recommended that the lease be for at least six consecutive months.
  • If the lease contract is for less than six months or no updated contract is submitted during the period of eligibility, continued assistance eligibility is dependent on the submission of a new or updated contract that shows a continuity (of dates) between the contracts.

Note: Released lone soldiers who are not eligible for this assistance, according to the above requirements and are renting an apartment are advised to apply for eligibility for rent assistance from the following- https://www.hachvana.mod.gov.il/Soldiers/Pages/lonelymoney.aspx

The actual amount of financial aid that will be received by an individual will be calculated according to the following:

  • The eligibility period is the first year after release from the IDF and up to 12 consecutive months.
  • The amount of aid per month is up to 1,000 NIS for each month of eligibility. If the applicant’s monthly rent is less than 1,000 NIS, then the assistance provided will be calculated in accordance to the actual rent payments of the applicant.
  • The rent assistance will be provided in two separate payments. Each payment will provide up to six months of rental assistance at a given time.
  • If the applicant receives financial assistance for rent from other government ministries, such as the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, The Estates and Trusts Department, etc. the applicant must declare the amount of aid received and this amount will be deducted from this benefit.
  • If the applicant is living in Bet Hachayal or an Alach apartment, the months while living there within the one-year of eligibility post-release, will be deducted from the period of eligibility.

See Registration Guidelines.

]]> How to Request Reassignment https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/how-to-request-reassignment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-request-reassignment Sun, 10 Nov 2019 11:33:07 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=78548

How to request reassignment to a different position within the army:

  • Fill out Form 55 (55 טופס) which is the official request form to be submitted to the human resources office in your unit (משרד משא״ן)
  • The form must be signed by your direct officer and a high-ranking officer of your unit (with the rank of (סגן אלוף)
  • Along with the form (or on the back of the form), thoroughly explain the reasons why you are requesting to change your job in the army
  • In order to have your request examined as thoroughly as possible, it is recommended to include specific details and elaborate on the reasons for your request.

If you are requesting to move into a combat role, please add the following:

  • For Males: Along with your request form, include the form for enlisting into combat service (טופס הצטרפות ללחימה) and a personal review/recommendation from a commanding officer (חוו״ד)
  • For Females: Along with your request form, include a filled-out questionnaire regarding your preferred combat unit and a personal questionnaire (שאלון עדפות ללחימה ושאלון דיווח עצמי)

All the aforementioned forms can be requested/found at your unit’s Human Resources office

Application Process

All requests are taken seriously and are investigated thoroughly to ensure maximum efficiency. It is important to note that patience is key throughout this lengthy process.

]]> Ma’anak and Pikadon https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/maanak-and-pikadon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maanak-and-pikadon Tue, 28 Aug 2018 06:40:25 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=65291

Mazal Tov! You just finished your army service. Now it is time to find out about your benefits.

If you have served for at least 12 months (or if you were supposed to serve for 12 months but was released earlier due to medical reasons), you are entitled to a Ma’anak Shichrur or a release grant. This is a one-time sum that is transferred into your bank account within 60 days of your release.

If for some reason the payment has not been transferred into your account within 60 days of your release date, please call the IDF Payments Department at 03-6792888. If you are unable to reach someone there, please call 1111 Ext. 3 for the Payment Department.

The size of your grant depends on whether you served in a combat, combat support, or non-combat position.

Click here to get a rough estimate of how much money you should receive.

The Pikadon is a deposit (the amount depends on where and how long you served) that is put aside for soldiers and Bnot Sherut who served for 12 months or longer. The Pikadon cannot be touched for five years from the end of your service, and at that point is transferred directly to the bank account that you provided during your army service.

You will need to bring the form to Bank Leumi or Bank Hapoalim and request that they release your Pikadon to your new bank account.

If you are having any problems, please call the branch of the Ministry of Defense that handles released soldiers and former Bnot Sherut at 03-777-6770.

You can calculate your Pikadon amount here

You can withdraw your Pikadon within the five-year timeframe for the following six purposes: education, vocational training, driver’s license, opening up a business, marriage, and buying an apartment. Click here for more information.

** Please note that if you do not claim your Pikadon within 10 years of your release, you are no longer eligible to receive it.

If you leave the country, and no longer have an Israeli bank account, you will need to appoint a Power of Attorney to claim the Pikadon. To find out the process please follow the instructions here or send an email to Pikadon_5@mod.gov.il.

Whoever you have appointed in Israel to deal with your Pikadon will need to bring in both forms (the power of attorney document and the form from the website) to either Bank Leumi or Bank Hapoalim. Once both forms are submitted, the army will send your Pikadon to a registered Israeli bank account of your choice.

Receiving your Pikadon after 5 years

According to the Law of Released Soldiers; 2017, 5 years after you finish your compulsory army service, your pikadon will automatically be transferred within 60 days, to the bank account you had when you finished your army service.

If during those 5 years, you decide to open a new bank account, it is recommended to keep the bank account you had when you finished your service open.

When will it be transferred?

If your mandatory service finished after 14th of January 2014, and you did not use all of your Pikadon during those 5 years, the money will be automatically transferred to the bank account that was in the IDF system when you finished your mandatory service.

The Pikadon will be transferred within 60 working days from the month that you were released from the army 5 years prior.

If you finished your service after the 12th of July 2010, you will be able to see your Pikadon status in the Personal Information on www.hachvana.mod.gov.il

Your Pikadon will be available to you according to the 2017 Law for 10 years from the end of your mandatory service.

If my bank details from the time of my army service have changed/expired?

You can choose to receive an SMS which will allow you to withdraw your Pikadon via the Post Office (Bank Hadoar).

Steps:

  1. Login via the Hachvana Website
  2. A notification will appear to agree to transfer your Pikadon to the Post Office.
  3. Approve the request
  4. After approving the reuqest it will take 7 working days and then you can go to any Post Office Branch to collect.

Well Done! All that is left for you to do is:

  1. Book an appointment in accordance with Covid restrictions in an area that is close to you
  2. You will need to show ID in the form of: TZ (ID)/Drivers License/Passport/ID of a Released Soldier

Pay Attention:

  • You will be able to take out the money from the Post Office only after 7 working days from approving the request. You will have 90 days to take it out from the Post Office. If you do not take the money out within 90 days, the money will be automatically put back into your Pikadon.
  • If the representative at the Post Office is having trouble finding your Pikadon, you can ask them to Login and enter תוכנית J171 – מוסד 45
  • When you arrive at the Branch, you will need to provide a document of proof of your bank account.
  • You can receive the Pikadon via Bank Transfer or Cash (up to 11,000 shekels).

If you want to withdraw between 10,000 to 11,000 Shekels, you need to provide ID documentation (Teudat Zehut) including an updated photo. You cannot use a passport or a driver’s license.

If the Pikadon is more than 11,000, you cannot withdraw it via Cash at the Post Office. You have to ask for a Bank Transfer.
If you don’t have a bank account you will need to do a יפויי כוח of a relative.

If you have any questions please call 03-777-6770 or visit https://www.hachvana.mod.gov.il/Pages/default.aspx

For any further questions please email lspnlspen@nbn.org.il.

]]> Length of Service for Bnei Mehagrim https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/information-ben-mehagrim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=information-ben-mehagrim Mon, 14 Nov 2016 13:34:43 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=42975

The army defines a Ben Mehager as an Israeli citizen whose parents reside abroad. In most cases, a Ben Mehager would make Aliyah with the status of Ezrach Oleh or Katin Chozer, although there are people who left Israel between the ages of 14 and 16 who would not be eligible for Aliyah (the Jewish Agency for Israel would give them the status of Returning Resident) but will be considered Bnei Mehagrim by the army.

Regardless of whether or not a Ben Mehager makes Aliyah, the army can and will draft them if they lose their “Status Hul*.”

In order to maintain Status Hul, the following criteria must be met:

  • Parents must be in Israel no more than 180 days in a calendar year
  • Ben Mehager must be in Israel no more than 120 days in a calendar year

*If you have any questions about Status Hul, email lspen@nbn.org.ill

A Ben Mehager is granted a one-time Shnat Shehiya. This is defined as a visit to Israel for a duration of 121-365 days. Prior to using a Shnat Shehiya a Ben Mehager must be outside of Israel for 60 days, and they must stay out of Israel for the 60 days following their year. This is in order to create a clear distinction between visits to Israel.

Length of Service for Olim is determined by their “Age of Arrival.”  Please note that a person’s Age of Arrival (their age on the date that they began a significant stay in Israel) is not necessarily their age on the date that they made Aliyah or when they lose their Status Hul.

Age of Arrival is determined by the Ben Mehager’s entries and exits to Israel, as well as the length of stay of each visit. To this end, one may report to the Israel Ministry of Interior and request a Berur Pratim L’Noseya – בירור פרטים לנוסע (a report of one’s entries and exits into Israel).

  • If the Ben Mehager has not spent significant time in Israel, 120 consecutive days in a calendar year, Age of Arrival is considered from their Aliyah date.  If you have questions about your status, email lspen@nbn.org.il
  • If the Ben Mehager participated in a program that was one year in length (recognized by The Jewish Agency for Israel as a Masa program) and then left the country for a period of at least 12 months, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time of their return.
    During this away period, they can visit Israel 120 days per calendar year, but there must have been 60 days since the program-year ended before being able to begin their 120 days.
    For example, if the program ended on June 30, 2017 the “away period” of 12 months would end on June 30, 2018. The Ben Mehager could visit Israel up to 120 days, beginning after September 1, 2017.
  • For further clarification, please be in touch with the Meitav representative in NY.  The Meitav representative can be contacted at: Meitav@newyork.mfa.gov.il or 212-499-5314. Or click here to the look at the army official website.

Age of Arrival 18-19 20 21 22-27: Exempt
Can Request to Volunteer		 28
Single Male 32 months 24 months 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Married Male without Child 32 months 24 months 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Married Male with Child Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Single Female (all Aliyah statuses) 24 months* 24 months* 24 months* Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 32 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service

*Single females who serve in combat and other specific jobs will be required to serve a full service of 32 months.
*Family status (single, married or married with children) at the Time of enlistment.

Please note that some positions will require a commitment of a full army service, and occasionally longer.

Women:

Single women, until the age of 20, are required to serve for 24 months.
If you used your Shanat Shehiya, then you are required to serve for 24 months until the age of 21.

*Religious women can get a Ptur (exemption).  Click here for the process.
Married women have an automatic exemption from service in the IDF.
There is NO requirement for women to do Sherut Leumi instead of military service.  Click here for more information about Sherut Leumi.

Doctors and dentists (male):

For information about army service, please see: Army Service for Physicians

  • A Ben Mehager that left Israel with parents prior to age 10 may receive permission to attend academic studies in Israel for up to 4 years.
  • This period may not start before age 17.
  • The Ben Mehager is not eligible for Academic Study Permission if he/she has already used his/her Shanat Shehiya (unless the Shanat Shehiya was a MASA program).
  • It is possible to connect the MASA Shanat Shehiya year directly to the 4 year Academic Study Permission.
  • The duration of time to reset his/her Age of Arrival after the 4 year Academic Study Permission period is 2 years outside of the country. During the 2 years out of the country the Ben Mehager may visit Israel for either 120 days straight or 180 cumulative days.

Questions? Contact lspen@nbn.org.il

]]> Length of Service for Olim https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/army-service-length-of-service-for-men-and-women/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=army-service-length-of-service-for-men-and-women Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:09:43 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=38780

Length of Service for Olim is determined by their “Age of Arrival.”  Please note that a person’s Age of Arrival (their age on the date that they began a significant stay in Israel) is not necessarily their age on the date that they made Aliyah.

Age of Arrival is determined by the Oleh’s entries and exits to Israel, as well as the length of stay of each visit. To this end, one may report to the Israel Ministry of Interior and request a Berur Knisot V’Yitziot Meha’aretz – בירור כניסות ויציאות מהארץ (a report of one’s entries and exits into Israel).  The new guidelines apply only to Olim.

NOTE: The guidelines for determining Age of Arrival found below apply to Olim Chadashim & Bnei Mehagrim (Ezrachim Olim or Ktinim Chozrim).

For information on Ezrachim Olim and Ktinim Chozrim (Bnei Mehagrim), please click here.

  • If the Oleh has not spent significant time in Israel (up to 120 days in a calendar year), Age of Arrival is considered from their Aliyah date.  If you have questions about your status, email lspen@nbn.org.il
  • If the Oleh visited Israel for a one year period (either on a recognized or non-recognized program) and chose to stay in Israel, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time they first entered the country.
  • If the Oleh participated in a program that was one year in length (recognized by The Jewish Agency for Israel as a Masa program) and then left the country for a period of at least 12 months, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time of their return. During this period they can visit Israel 120 days per calendar year, as long as there is a clean break of 60 days out of the country from the end of the program until the first visit.
    Please note: This only holds for ONE recognized program. If you come back for a second recognized program that was one year in length and then left the country for a period of at least 12 months, the army will not consider this time frozen.
  • If the Oleh was in Israel for one year or more, NOT on a recognized program, and left the country for a period of at least 24 months, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time of their return.  If the Oleh would like to visit Israel during that 24 month “away” period, they can visit for 120 days per calendar year (every year).  For further clarification, please be in touch with the Meitav representative in NY.  The Meitav representative can be contacted at: Consulate General of Israel – New York, Meitav@newyork.mfa.gov.il or 212-499-5314.

Currently, the army is reevaluating its policy regarding an individual’s ability to reset their age of arrival by staying out of Israel for 24 months. We will keep you posted with any updates.

Please note that the chart below applies only to Olim who entered the country at age 18 or older. Olim who arrived in Israel at 17 or younger will be required to serve 30 months, regardless of family status.

If your Age of Arrival is before May 31, 2015, please refer to this chart for determining your length of service.

If your Age of Arrival is June 1, 2015 or after, please refer to the chart below.

Determining Length of Service:

  • Age of Arrival (see above to determine age of arrival)
  • Family status (single, married or married with children) at the Time of enlistment.
Age of Arrival 18-19 20 21 22-27: Exempt
Can Request to Volunteer		 28
Single Male 32 months 24 months 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Married Male without Child 32 months 24 months 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Married Male with Child Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 24 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service
Single Female (all Aliyah statuses) 24 months* 24 months* 24 months* Non- combat: 18 months
Combat: 32 months		 Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service

*Single females who serve in combat and other specific jobs will be required to serve a full service of 32 months.

Please note that some positions will require a commitment of a full army service, and occasionally longer.

Doctors and Dentists (male):

For information about army service, please see: Army Service for Physicians

Women:

*Religious women can get a Ptor (exemption). Click here for the process.
Married women have an automatic exemption from service in the IDF.
There is NO requirement for women to do Sherut Leumi instead of military service. Click here for more information about Sherut Leumi.

After making Aliyah, the government of Israel allots Olim one year of acclimation before they are drafted. A Tzav Rishon (first IDF notice) will be sent to your residence roughly 9 months after receiving a Teudat Zehut.

If you are interested in expediting your army process once you make Aliyah, please be in touch with our Lone Soldiers department lspen@nbn.org.il.

Lishkot Hagiyus can be reached at 03-738-8888 or *3529 or meitav@idf.gov.il

A soldier who leaves a job because of the draft will receive compensation from his employer.
As of February, 2012, the Knesset approved two laws that relate to soldiers. According to the first, someone who leaves his or her job in order to be drafted into the army or do Sherut Leumi is entitled to receive special compensation from his or her place of work.
Similarly, the Knesset approved a law that establishes that a released soldier that works in Avoda Muadefet (“preferred work”) and is called to serve in Miluim will be entitled to a monetary grant, even if he or she did not complete six months of work.

The role of FIDF and Nefesh B’Nefesh is to assist new immigrants to Israel who are drafted to the IDF.  It is not the objective, or part of the scope of operational activities of either organization to help recruit soldiers for the Israel Defense Forces.

]]> Knowing Your Health Rights During IDF Service https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/knowing-your-health-rights-during-idf-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=knowing-your-health-rights-during-idf-service Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:51:28 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=32190

Know your rights!

Below you will find the Pamphlet for the Soldier in Mandatory Service, made by the Headquarters of the Chief Medical Officer of the Health Services Department.

Medical Care Within the Unit

In general, the medical care given to IDF soldiers is done so by the unit’s doctor. Soldiers who serve in outside bases are treated by medical staff of the civilian GMOs (Kupot Holim) until the end of the contract on November 1, 2014.

Urgent Medical Care Outside of the Unit

If you are outside the unit and you experience a medical problem that cannot wait until your return to the unit, you must turn to your local chain of the “bikurrofe” network according to geographical distribution. Remember! “bikurrofe” clinics are designed for providing immediate care, until your return to the unit for continuation of treatment–not for treatment of a continuing medical condition.

Medical Treatment in the Emergency Room

IDF and “bikurrofe” doctors are authorized to send you to an ER in order to receive urgent care. At the time of the referral, they will print you a referral paper along with budgetary authorization. You must bring the results of your ER visit to your unit’s doctor in order to continue treatment. Any civilian or soldier who goes to the ER independently and without a doctor’s referral will be responsible for all expenses of the ER visit. You have the right to submit a request to your unit’s doctor to receive authorization retroactively (form 119), but there are very few cases in which this is authorized. If your request is rejected, you must settle the debt independently with the hospital.

We recommend for soldiers to turn to their unit’s doctor or doctors of “bikurrofe” at the time of a medical problem. ERs are intended only for urgent medical cases.

Civilian Car Accident

In the event that you are involved in a civilian car accident and referred directly to the ER, you must acquire form 119 at the hospital. In order to receive the approval, you must turn to your unit’s doctor with the police record of the accident.

Examination By a Specialist

A referral to a specialist is given by the unit’s doctor as part of medical evaluation and treatment. Once you receive the referral, you must arrange the appointment with the necessary clinic. During 2013, the Medical Corps established a nationwide center “m’kol halev” for the purpose of arranging appointments to both military and civilian clinics. The center is open during all hours of the day and you will receive a response from service representatives and registered nurses in a swift, professional manner. In order to make an appointment, have your army ID and referral ready when you call. It is your responsibility to update your commander and arrive at the clinic on time with all the relevant medical information/documents/films.

Remember! After the exam, you must make an appointment with your unit’s doctor and provide him with the results of the specialist exam. Don’t keep the answers to yourself!

Limitations on Activities and Fitness for Duty

The giving of “ptorim” (exemptions) and other easing measures are intended as a response to exceptional medical situations or exeptional tasks in which the soldier requires special measures or protections in addition to what is prescribed by his profile. The goal of the exemption is protection of the soldier’s health along with details of his limitations and what he can continue to do to serve in his position and profession. The exemption is part of treatment an can be given only by a doctor–for either a limited time or a constant exemption.

Rest Days

The doctor will set his recommendations, according to his exam or for the needs of the treatment plan, as follows:

  • Fit for duty, according to medical profile, without additional limitations.
  • Fit for duty, according to medical profile, but with limitations (“betim”) as the doctor will detail.
  • Not fit for duty and must rest and avoid all activities (“gimmelim”) for a total number of days that the doctor will set. gimmelim can be within the unit, at home, or at another place set by the doctor.

The doctor can order you to attend a medical examination or treatment at any time, including on gimmelim, according to the medical need and in consideration of your medical status and level of mobility.

We welcome you to turn to us with any question or problem:

M’Kol Halev center for soldiers:
To make appointments and receive guidance and professional response from a representative, 24 hours a day		 Shortened dial: *6690
Army phone: 0333-9999
Civilian phone: 03-948-9999
For complaints and perach inquisitions: ext. 3
Mahut center for support of victims of family violence, abusive relationships, sexual violence or pregnant soldiers Army phone: 0333-2600
Civilian phone: 03-948-2600
Bikur Rofe clinics For addresses and hours: *6101
Website: www.bikurofe.co.il
Magen David Adom ambulances:
If you were referred to the ER by an MDA ambulance, you must provide MDA with a photocopy of your army ID and the financial debt forms by mail or fax.		 Fax: 03-630-6005
Email: hayalim@mda.org.il
Other information can be found on the harap site on tzahalnet and the internet at www.refua.atal.idf.il
]]> Basic Training in the IDF https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/basic-training-in-the-idf/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=basic-training-in-the-idf Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:14:42 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=12145

IDF basic training courses vary significantly depending on your job placement and the location of your course. There are different levels of basic training for Kravi (combat) soldiers, who are on training level 03, 05 or 07, and non-combat (soldiers who are not in Kravi units), who are on training level 02. Within each of these groups, the approach to basic training tends to be different on each base.

Despite the differences between the levels of training within the groups, certain elements are constant to basic training. Every course includes gun training, physical training and requires soldiers to help guard the base. You will be trained in matters of discipline and expected to complete tasks within defined time periods. Some of  these tasks include how much sleep you get, your breaks, the time you spend eating, and even your speed at getting into line. There will be a sense of distance between you and your commanders, which means that you will need to learn how to approach them appropriately and ask permission for a range of requests.

Before you start basic training, it is important to speak to friends and hear their experiences, so that you will have a broader idea of what to expect during your course.

Keep in mind that ultimately, which basic training course you do depends on the job you are given in the army, and this relates directly to your Hebrew level and physical profile. Many positions in the IDF will require you to take a course. Depending on your placement, the length of your course can be anywhere from one to seven months long or longer.

The army organizes basic training groups using a numbered scale. You will receive a number known as your Rovaeii, רובאי (level of training).

The numbers classify you as follows:

  • 02 training is for non-combat soldiers and could involve a 1 month course or longer
  • 03 training for Shiriyon, Totachim and Hagnash
  • 05 and 07 training is for Kravi units and involves 7 months of basic and advanced training
  • 08 training is for individuals who finish the commanders course for Kravi
  • 12 training is the officers course for Kravi
  • 13 training is for the pilots course

If you have additional questions about basic training, please email army@nbn.org.il.

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