Making aaliyah and joining the army in Israel

Expert Info

Posted by

on 26 May 2011

If I make Aaliyah and become an Israeli resident am i legally obligated to serve in the army, as all Israeli citizens are?

Anonymous (not verified) on 26 May 2011 - 08:52

Yes, if making Aaliyah to Israel you are obligated (but not legally) to serve in the Israeli army - this goes for all citizens and permanent residents. That said, there's lots of get out of "jail" free cards. The best thing is to speak with a shaliach aaliyah about your case. You can be waved from service depending on your age, the case of prior visits, the duration of your planned stay, etc...

Obligation also varies for women and men. Basically, though if you arrive in Israel after the age of 20, service is voluntary - not mandatory. And if you arrive in Israel after the age of 26 - service isn't even an issue.

Anonymous (not verified) on 21 Oct 2012 - 16:16

I am 42. Is it ok to volunteer at my age. I am physically fit than most 20 year olds. Could I also volunteer as an English teacher for the IDF?

Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Oct 2012 - 07:58

Hi Anonymous

According to this article on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/State/THE+STATE-+Israel+Defense+Forces+-IDF-.htm) you can technically volunteer up to the age of 51.

However, by other accounts, in reality you might meet with resistance from the army because of your age. I suggest you read through this blog and try posting your question there - http://aliyahsurvivalblog.wordpress.com/the-army/

Anonymous (not verified) on 8 Dec 2012 - 22:30

hi, when you make aliya in the age of 42 you dont have to serve as an solider. i am an israeli citizen an i have been dismissed when i was 32.

Anonymous (not verified) on 25 Jan 2013 - 20:42

All the rules for exemption of millitary sevvice today are the same as in the bible over 40yo people who grow a grove of olives and the scared and those who have found theyre bishert

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