What it’s about
Hundreds of young Jewish immigrants from around the globe have come together at the “Olim Al Madim” Fair in Israel. This fair, hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh along with the Jewish Agency, Merage Foundation Israel, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, and the IDF’s Meitav unit, is designed to support these new Olim, aged 16 to 22, as they prepare for their mandatory enlistment in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Why it matters
The participation of these young Olim in the IDF signifies a robust commitment to the future and defense of Israel. Their willingness to leave their homes and families in other countries to serve demonstrates a strong belief in the Zionist dream and Israel’s future challenges and opportunities.
What they’re saying
A new chapter for young Olim
“I salute and thank the young Olim who will soon become soldiers and serve in the IDF,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration, MK Ofir Sofer. “You left your homes and families in far-off countries and will now enlist and defend the State of Israel, out of firm belief in the fulfillment of the Zionist dream, while our country is at war in Gaza and up North. While Israel is expected to face many challenges, you have chosen to take an active part and play an important role here.” Sofer also assured ongoing support for these Olim throughout their IDF service.
A supportive community
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, expressed his pride: “It was a privilege for us to host on our campus these hundreds of young, inspiring Olim as they embark on their journey to serve and protect our homeland.” Nefesh B’ Nefesh is dedicated to reducing financial, professional, logistical, and social challenges for those who immigrate to Israel.
Yaron Shavit, Deputy Chair of The Jewish Agency for Israel, highlighted the communal effort: “For me, this exciting event with the hundreds of Olim enlisting in the IDF is a double closing of the circle – as the deputy chair of The Jewish Agency that supports these Olim, and also as a host family for two lone soldier Olim who have become members of our family. Like their brothers and sisters – they became members of our Israeli nuclear family.” He affirmed that these young individuals are indeed not alone as they integrate into Israeli society.
What happened
At the fair, the Meitav unit of the IDF set up a mobile recruitment office with various stations. These stations assisted attendees with enrolling, understanding their recruitment and placement options, undergoing psychological evaluations, taking Hebrew proficiency tests, and learning about military service conditions and academic degree tracks. Representatives from multiple IDF units, including elite units like Paratroopers, Golani, and Maglan, provided insights into the roles and enlistment criteria.
Participants also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the FIDF-Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program, as well as multiple governmental ministries, to ask any pertinent questions regarding their upcoming army service.
This story was first published on jpost.com.