if no , plz explain why? and if yes, plz explain to what extent they can join? and finally, if you are not an Israeli citizen would you join the army? Thank you very much.
2007-10-26 04:26:31 · 8 answers · asked by HopelessZ00 6 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
Also it would be interesting to know can a person who's not Jewish join the army, even though they are not a citizen?
Sorry many questions rolled up in one. Thanx.
2007-10-26 04:28:01 · update #1
There are three ways to serve with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as foreigners: Mahal-2000, Sar-El and Garin Tzabar. The Mahal-2000 program is for non-Israeli Jewish men younger than 23 and women younger than 20. The program consists of 18 months of IDF service. Sar-El is a program for Jews and non-Jews over 16 years. It usually consists of three weeks unarmed auxiliary service with (not in) the IDF. 'Garin Tzabar' accepts all Jews, although a basic knowledge of the Hebrew language is not mandatory, it is helpful. Of all the programs listed, 'Garin Tzabar' offers a full service in the IDF. The program is set up in stages: first the participants go through five seminars in the country of origin, and then one has the absorption period in Israel at a Kibbutz (Israeli collective community). Each 'Garin' is adopted by a Kibbutz in Israel and has living quarters designated for the 'Garin'. The Garin shares responsibilities in the Kibbutz when on military leave. Participants would start the program 3 months before being enlisted in the army at the beginning of August.
2007-10-26 07:32:35 · answer #1 · answered by Duke of Tudor 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A Jew may volunteer for the IDF even if he is not an Israeli citizen. It is called the Mahal program (Mahal= Mitnadvei Hutz La'aretz= Foreign Volunteers). The program is currently in flux, but essentially one does 2 years instead of three, and besides for some extra money and other helpful things because he is a lone soldier in a foreign land, he is an Israeli soldier by every standard. I know a number of people who have done this program, and all found it a rewarding experience. In general this track is not supposed to be used as a way to integrate before Aliyah.
As far as I know the IDF does not accept non-Jewish foreign volunteers, however it does accept non-Jewish Israeli citizens.
2007-10-27 18:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by Michael J 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A long time ago I was a Jewish Officer in the United States Air Force. I was also a pilot. I was offered a large cash incentive and more rank, if I would resign form the United States Air Force and join the Israeli Air Force. I checked with the American State Department. They told me that my passport would get me to any country, but would be voided the moment I swore allegiance to that country and put on the uniform of the military of that country. In my life I lived in 3 countries and visited 24 more. I am a proud American who is proud of serving his country. I am more American than Jewish. By this I mean that I am an American who happens to be Jewish. Not a Jewish-American. I cannot give up my country by being in the military of any other country in the world.
Yes, Israel can claim that as a Jew, descended from a Jewish mother, I can claim Israel as my homeland and serve in the IDF. However, I do not claim Israel as my homeland, I am an American first and foremost.
2007-10-27 04:00:43 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, but as all Jews are entitled to Israeli citizenship it's not a problem to take citizenship, many countries will also allow dual citizenship with Israel.
There is a type of army service for non-Israeli Jews but you won't see active service. Many young Jews do it whilst spending a gap year in Israel, it's called "Marva" and it's run by real IDF soldiers, it tends to last nine weeks and features much of the basic training that IDF soldiers go through.
2007-10-26 11:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My Jewish grandparents were murdered in the Nazi holocaust of the 20th century, and my mom was a Jewish orphan smuggled out of Europe.
I have been told that any one like me, with a Jewish mom, can go to Israel and simply declare citizenship. No hassles.
You notice I said child of a Jew, not "a Jew". As the child of a Jew you are automatically a member of G_d's chosen people, as I understand it, even if you are not a practising Jew (or even a practising Christian) as a racial Hebrew from birth. Israel is the land G_d gave to YOUR family (including you)!!! Heaven & theology notwithstanding.
Therefore, if you're the child of a Jewess, there should be no problem going to Israel, and eventually joining the army.
2007-10-26 14:45:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
No. But there are those who have dual-citizenship (with Israel and the US) who join he Israeli military. They will lose their US citizenship, however, if they become commissioned officers in the Israeli military.
A non-Jew in Israel can join the army. They do it all the time. Only Jewish and Druze citizens are required to actually join; Christians and Arab Muslims are not required.
No army for me. Got respect for them, but I want to do something else.
2007-10-26 11:42:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
well yes ... if you're Jewish and you want to join the army you need to come to Israel, receive a citizenship and that's it!!
just for your info, there are many soldiers that are here without a family, because they came just to serve
2007-10-26 14:16:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
IDF and US Marines- the greatest troops on earth.
HOOOORAH!!
2007-10-26 18:11:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋