Moving to Israel

[Hebrew Swede]

I've been thinking lately about aliyah, thanks largely to the people of this forum. But I would never move to Israel, if I can't serve at least two years in the IDF. I wouldn't feel good living in Israel if I haven't done my part defending the country. I'm 32, but in great physical condition. Would the army accept me?

[Mil]

I heard all Swedes have a propelar somewhere in the vicinity right above their tuches - it's awesome for reconessence. :)

[CoinToss]

The israelis love the new immigrants.
They feel supported, they are happy to see new jews from abroad.
They don't care about the army if your are not a sabra.
If you feel it's your way, do not hesitate. Especially if you want to find a jewish wife ;)
If you really want to work some time for the army, you can do the 'volontariat civil' (french denomination). But you won't be incorporated in a troop of soldier. It keeps a sabra from milouhim for 1 year if I don't mistake.

Whatever your choice, remember one thing : the most important to achieve an Aliah is to find a job(it's paid about 60% of a french salary). This must be your priority n°1. Once it's ok, the rest follows.
Useful to have family or friends to help you, at the beginning. Good english skills and basic hebrew are a real plus.

[Hebrew Swede]

I heard all Swedes have a propelar somewhere in the vicinity right above their tuches - it's awesome for reconessence. :)

1) I saw an attempt to a joke, but no follow-up with a helpful answer to my concern.

2) My toches is 100% kosher, meaning good enough for you to put your lips on. :)

3) For reconnaissance, Israel uses Casper 250:

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/casper_250/Casper_250.htm

[Hebrew Swede]

The israelis love the new immigrants.
They feel supported, they are happy to see new jews from abroad.
They don't care about the army if your are not a sabra.
If you feel it's your way, do not hesitate. Especially if you want to find a jewish wife ;)
If you really want to work some time for the army, you can do the 'volontariat civil' (french denomination). But you won't be incorporated in a troop of soldier. It keeps a sabra from milouhim for 1 year if I don't mistake.

Whatever your choice, remember one thing : the most important to achieve an Aliah is to find a job(it's paid about 60% of a french salary). This must be your priority n°1. Once it's ok, the rest follows.
Useful to have family or friends to help you, at the beginning. Good english skills and basic hebrew are a real plus.

I'm sure most Israelis don't care whether I've done the military or not, but I personally do care. I regret to hear the bad news you're giving me, because being a part of the Israeli troops is the only thing I'll accept. So I guess I won't be making aliyah. This was my priority No. 1. Thanks.

[CoinToss]

I'm sure most Israelis don't care whether I've done the military or not, but I personally do care. I regret to hear the bad news you're giving me, because being a part of the Israeli troops is the only thing I'll accept. So I guess I won't be making aliyah. This was my priority No. 1. Thanks.I know a guy of 38 who made 1 year of army in Magav (Israeli Frontier Guard). I don't no more. (notice I am french not israeli)

[Toga]

I've been thinking lately about aliyah, thanks largely to the people of this forum. But I would never move to Israel, if I can't serve at least two years in the IDF. I wouldn't feel good living in Israel if I haven't done my part defending the country. I'm 32, but in great physical condition. Would the army accept me?

There are many volunteer programs associated with the IDF. Serving in the IDF is not the only way to serve the Jewish state.

http://www.zionism-israel.com/ezine/Nobel_Israel.htm

[Hebrew Swede]

I know a guy of 38 who made 1 year of army in Magav (Israeli Frontier Guard). I don't no more. (notice I am french not israeli)

That’s alright, frenchy. I will contact the Jewish Agency for consultation. I thank you for your input.

[Hebrew Swede]

There are many volunteer programs associated with the IDF. Serving in the IDF is not the only way to serve the Jewish state.

http://www.zionism-israel.com/ezine/Nobel_Israel.htm

I know I can serve Israel even through my current profession. But let’s face it, there’s nothing nobler than serving with your life at stake for something you value and believe in so much. And since I have come to realize this, it’s too late for me to aim any lower and still be happy with myself. So it’s either me as an Israeli soldier or me as a Diaspora Jew. I don't expect everyone to understand, but I can't explain this any better.

And yes, I’m familiar with the scads of Nobel Prizes awarded to American and Israeli Jews. Mazel tov to all these great thinkers and visionaries.

[golani]

I know a guy of 38 who made 1 year of army in Magav (Israeli Frontier Guard). I don't no more. (notice I am french not israeli)

The guy's name is Arnault Klarsfeld.
He is a lawyer,the son of a jewish lawyer and a great german lady who converted to judaism
Being very pro israeli,Arnault decide to move to Israel to enter IDF and became MAGAV member for more than 1 year.
Now,he is back in France
Shabat shalom,
Golani

[physics]

I hope you realize that army service is only a temporary part of Israeli life unless you pursure military career. Don't you have to ask yourself "Army service, and then what?"

But hey, if you are so passionate about serving, then best of luck to you, it shouldn't be a problem I hope.

[CoinToss]

The guy's name is Arnault Klarsfeld.Arno Klasfeld plz ;)
Arno was his grandpa's name from Poland.
The french version is Arnaud.
And Arnault is probably old french.
(all are pronouced the same way)

shabbat shalom

[Womble]

I've been thinking lately about aliyah, thanks largely to the people of this forum. But I would never move to Israel, if I can't serve at least two years in the IDF. I wouldn't feel good living in Israel if I haven't done my part defending the country. I'm 32, but in great physical condition. Would the army accept me?
I am not sure why you're making it a pre-requirement for your moving to Israel, but here it goes.

The IDF seeks efficiency in their use of manpower, so your desire to serve in the army has to be met by their desire to use you in that capacity.

Being 32, you are already exempt from compulsory service, though you will be required to do "tironut shlav bet" ("basic training, stage 2") for three months. You may still be called for reserve service later. You cannot join a combat unit unless you do the compulsory service, so reserve duty for you will usually mean guarding army bases, settlements, the security fence or other installations.

You can still volunteer for the IDF in a civilian capacity, doing various support work.

If your profession is of interest to the IDF (a doctor, for instance), you may be able to join the army for a longer term in your professional capacity.

You can also join the Civil Guard, which will allow you to aid the Israeli police in patrolling the streets and responding to emergencies, including terror attacks. It is the easiest way for you to contribute to Israel's security- and keeping fellow citizens safe from crime and accidents is no less noble than keeping them safe from foreign invaders and terrorists. Not to mention the Civil Guard's glorious traditions- it is the direct descendant of the Hagana and other Jewish self-defense units from the pre-state times.

[genghis_tom]

Whatever your choice, remember one thing : the most important to achieve an Aliah is to find a job(it's paid about 60% of a french salary). This must be your priority n°1. Once it's ok, the rest follows.
Useful to have family or friends to help you, at the beginning. Good english skills and basic hebrew are a real plus.

CoinToss, am I to understand that IDF does not pay it's soldiers?
Couldn't someone, say, a Swede, fulfill his first priority (serving in the military and making a career out of it if he wants) and your first priority (getting a job)?

[MrRight]

http://www.israeli-weapons.com

Very impressive for a small country like Israel :)

[redcake]

Womble gave the most complete answer, but you should still make some phone calls anyway, if you're passionate about it. I wouldn't put to much weight in anything they promise you in the way of assignment. The truth is, you're a bit old, and your previous experience with another nations military is more of a concern then a plus these days. There are many ways you can still see active duty of some sort, but you should be prepared to serve in a desk job capacity unless Israel ends up in a full blown war. There are many acceptions to the rule, as previous posts described...i just wouldn't get your hopes up.

[Hebrew Swede]

You cannot join a combat unit unless you do the compulsory service, so reserve duty for you will usually mean guarding army bases, settlements, the security fence or other installations.

No problem. I’ll do boring jobs like that, but only if I know it will eventually lead me to the infantry. I absolutely don’t have a death wish or lack of self-preservation, but I can’t feel I’ve done anything until the moment of truth, when my feet touch the ground of the battlefield and I’m being shot at. I hope to serve 2 years and then carry on with my current profession.

Thanks so much for your valuable information. It made me more hopeful.

[Hebrew Swede]

The truth is, you're a bit old, and your previous experience with another nations military is more of a concern then a plus these days.

I might have given that impression, but I've had no previous military training. And I'm a late bloomer and much more youthful than my age.


There are many ways you can still see active duty of some sort, but you should be prepared to serve in a desk job capacity unless Israel ends up in a full blown war. There are many acceptions to the rule, as previous posts described...i just wouldn't get your hopes up.

Me behind a desk? Haha! That would be the day.

Thanks.

[sharonbn]

Hebrew Swede,

You should know that you are doing the real work by doing Aliyah. And it matters less if you serve in IDF and in which unit. Becoming an Israeli citizen is the fullfilment of your national aspirations and the greatest contribution an individual can do for his people. You also get the right to determine the fate and future of Israel.

I myself did not serve in the army in combat unit and I do not feel I did not do my share to defend my country. I also feel I do a lot in my civilian life to strengthen Israeli economy.

[Gilgamesh]

In order to get into infentry you have to be:
1) Under the age of 25
2) good Hebrew
3) perfect health. You have to be able to run alot and carry hardware

Besides infentry, we have Tanks (most exciting job, although I am not a tankman). Artilarry (moving to high-tech indegenous made MLRS), air force (operating UAV's for example), logistics (management, inventory, spare parts ect...) and Intel (needs engineers, computer experts and guys fluent in Arabic or Persian).

Beyoned the age of 25, you are most likely to be sent for 3 month training, and then off to patrol duties along the Egyption and Jordenian border, for couple of weeks every year.

For the more nifty jobs, you better have an academic diploma, and then you are able to begin a military career / or work as a specialist.

Personaly, I was in what is now known as "field inteligience", I was operating an equipment to detect inflintrations.

[CoinToss]

CoinToss, am I to understand that IDF does not pay it's soldiers?
Couldn't someone, say, a Swede, fulfill his first priority (serving in the military and making a career out of it if he wants) and your first priority (getting a job)?Job is the priority n°1 for civil life.
Salary for a soldier should not be so high, but he is housed and fed.
Better ask an israeli, I am not specialized in the topic.


Beyoned the age of 25, you are most likely to be sent for 3 month training, and then off to patrol duties along the Egyption and Jordenian border, for couple of weeks every year.It's called milouhim. It's a duty for every non-orthodox, non-arab citizen.

[Hebrew Swede]

In order to get into infentry you have to be:
1) Under the age of 25
2) good Hebrew
3) perfect health. You have to be able to run alot and carry hardware

Besides infentry, we have Tanks (most exciting job, although I am not a tankman). Artilarry (moving to high-tech indegenous made MLRS), air force (operating UAV's for example), logistics (management, inventory, spare parts ect...) and Intel (needs engineers, computer experts and guys fluent in Arabic or Persian).

Beyoned the age of 25, you are most likely to be sent for 3 month training, and then off to patrol duties along the Egyption and Jordenian border, for couple of weeks every year.

For the more nifty jobs, you better have an academic diploma, and then you are able to begin a military career / or work as a specialist.

Personaly, I was in what is now known as "field inteligience", I was operating an equipment to detect inflintrations.

Thanks buddy, this is very good info. I could perhaps also consider being a tankman, but I rather be a foot soldier if the army could overlook my age. I will also be studying Arabic and perhaps Farsi also. Thanks again.

[genghis_tom]

How about this:
Someone wants to join the Israeli military.
This person is:
Under twenty-five
In good physical shape
Can speak some Hebrew, can easily learn more
Is Christian

Info 1 (http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=9268)
Info 2 (http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=9610)

Note: MOIA did write back to him, saying "talk to local consulates"

[Gilgamesh]

As a thumb rull, Christians can't become full citizens, unless they marry an Israeli. However, there are quite a few non-Jews, who recived premenet residency status Toshavut in Israel.

It means for example, that you can vote for mayor or local concil but not for the Knesset. You may volenteer to the army, you are not obligated to do so like we Jews are. Also, you are not entitled to full social benefits. It a tough process, with tons of red tape which takes on years of no end.

Last time the IDF had volenteers corp, was in the war of independece, 1948. We forever greatful for the secrifices, experience and contribution of rightous gentiles who fought for thier people honor, in our behalf.

Since then, IDF do not accept volenteers, only citizens. (or those who can become citizens, like diaspora Jews). Non-Jewish (other then Druz or christian Arab) soldiers are rare, and often married to Israelis.

[tzanchan]

How about this:
Someone wants to join the Israeli military.
This person is:
Under twenty-five
In good physical shape
Can speak some Hebrew, can easily learn more
Is Christian

Info 1 (http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=9268)
Info 2 (http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=9610)

Note: MOIA did write back to him, saying "talk to local consulates"


One of my friends in golani has a christian arab friend that is hapak magad, which is a very high position for normal infantry...

[tzanchan]

Thanks buddy, this is very good info. I could perhaps also consider being a tankman, but I rather be a foot soldier if the army could overlook my age. I will also be studying Arabic and perhaps Farsi also. Thanks again.
You do realize that only 7 % of the army is comrpised of combat soldiers. In addition most foot soldiers spend most of their service doing guard duty, ambush, checkpoints, and once in a while an arrest. Most soldiers arent being shot at on a regular basis.Personally, I feel that someone that does national service at the hospital, or helps feed the poor does as much if not more to help the country then me sitting on a hill waiting to ambush some pali throwing a molotov cocktail at a car.

[rachamim18]

I am a 39 year old dual Israeli/american. I did my mandatory time as a teen, etc. but yes, at your age you can certainly serve. It is 3 years by the way, not 2 [unless you do the Navy, then it is actually 4]. You will also have Reserves for quite some time afterwards [ I just did my 45 days and came to NYC a month ago]. It is definitely the fastest way to integrate into Israeli society. As for the immigrant status, there are programs for that.

[tzanchan]

I am a 39 year old dual Israeli/american. I did my mandatory time as a teen, etc. but yes, at your age you can certainly serve. It is 3 years by the way, not 2 [unless you do the Navy, then it is actually 4]. You will also have Reserves for quite some time afterwards [ I just did my 45 days and came to NYC a month ago]. It is definitely the fastest way to integrate into Israeli society. As for the immigrant status, there are programs for that.
If he is over the age of 22 it is 2 years. And welcome from Ummah.

[rachamim18]

Right you are and thanks.

[Mossad]

Shalom Guys

I think a Thread about Aliah will be very useful. Manny ppl lately try to find out infos about it, and personal experience from others will be helpfully.

[curlyg]

It probably would be a good idea to create a sticky thread about Aliyah rather than reviving this one

[Mossad]

It probably would be a good idea to create a sticky thread about Aliyah rather than reviving this one

Ken, besseder. Therefore a subforum i think will be nice. Will bring more jews from galut here to find infos.