What it is about

The Israeli Defense Ministry is rolling out a promising initiative aimed at preparing and recruiting Jewish youth from the Diaspora for service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This concerted effort seeks to significantly bolster the IDF’s ranks, including its combat units.

Why it matters

This program is essential as it deepens the ties between Israel and the global Jewish community, strengthening their Zionist identity and commitment to the state’s security. By integrating diaspora youth into the IDF, Israel ensures a more robust and diverse defense force while fostering a global sense of unity and support among Jews worldwide.

Details

The program targets Jewish youth aged 18-21 and spans 12 weeks, emphasizing connecting participants with Israel’s heritage, society, and the Hebrew language. Essential components of the training include physical and mental preparations to equip these youth for their future roles in the IDF.

Multilingual Tracks for IDF Preparation

To accommodate participants from different linguistic backgrounds, the program offers four distinct tracks: two in English, one in French, and one in Spanish. Each track will serve about 40 individuals, culminating in an initial cohort of 160 Diaspora Jews who will partake in this transformative experience, supported with full room and board.

The call for operation tenders from experienced vendors—those with at least 3 years in running similar educational programs—reflects a commitment to delivering a robust recruitment initiative.

Community Impact

This program will not only augment Israel’s military strength but also enhance the global Jewish community’s connection to Israel. Such initiatives are vital for fostering solidarity, ensuring that the next generation of Jewish youth is well-integrated into the fabric of Israeli society and its defense forces.

This story was first published on jpost.com.