Mahal - Volunteer Service in the IDF

Mahal also known as the Overseas Volunteers program is the name given to the program which was created in 1948 to enable volunteers from around the world to help the Haganah and later the IDF, in fighting for and protecting the young state.

Mahal Today

• The current iteration of the Mahal program is intended for Jewish youth from foreign countries who wish to volunteer for military service and to enlist in the IDF as “Tourists”. That is, these youngsters do not become Israeli citizens but receive a designated residence permit by virtue of their registration in this program.
• Among the volunteers are children of Israeli parents whose center of life is not in Israel (they live abroad): these young people can also enlist in Mahal, even though they have Israeli citizenship.
• Many volunteers come to Israel independently to enlist in the army, and during their service, they are recognized as Chayalim Bodedim – חיילים בודדים – Lone Soldiers.
• Hundreds of youngsters volunteer to the Mahal program every year and approximately 90% of them enlist in combat units.
• At the end of their service, some return to their countries of origin, while others make Aliyah (to Israel alone or with their families during the service or following it.)
• It is worth mentioning that 50% of Mahal volunteers choose to stay in Israel and make Aliyah.​

Eligibility Requirements

​Age:

• Men: 18-23
  Women: 18-20
• Candidates must be Jewish or eligible for Aliyah under the Chok Hashvut – חוק השבות – Law of Return.

In order to be eligible for Mahal as a tourist, previous visits and stays in Israel should be verified according to the following criteria:

• ​From the age of 16, no more than 12 months in an unrecognized program, and no more than 18 months in a recognized program such as MASA, Yeshiva, National Service, Mechina – מכינה – pre-military preparatory program.
• For children of immigrants (if one or both parents are Israeli citizens), from the age of 10 the amount of time one can stay in Israel is limited to four months in a calendar year. If you were in a recognized program and remained for longer than four months, you may be entitled to enlist through Mahal nevertheless.
• The parents had not made Aliyah since the candidate was ten years old
• The parents have not lived in Israel regularly (over 180 days a year) since the candidate was ten years old.

Mahal Options

Regular Mahal

​​Hebrew course – this track is for participants with a basic level in Hebrew. The course includes a Hebrew Ulpan for 3 months at the Michva Alon – מחו”ה אלון – IDF Educational Center Alon. From there you will be assigned to your unit for the remaining 15 months of service.
General recruitment and combat units – this track is intended for participants with a high level of Hebrew proficiency. In this track you will enlist directly into your assigned unit for 18 months of service.

Both of the above apply to men and women.

Mahal Hesder

This is a combined army service and Torah study program in different IDF units and is suitable for youngsters from Zionist Hesder yeshivas.

The course changes from Yeshiva to Yeshiva, but basically remains similar: One starts their service with an initial period of unpaid Torah study in a Yeshiva followed by active service in the assigned IDF unit. At the end of the military service, an additional unpaid term of learning in the Yeshiva is required. The total length of service is 21 months, of which 17 months are active military service and four months of yeshiva studies.

Registration for this track takes place at the Hesder Yeshiva where you study and through the Hesder Yeshivot Association, which works in cooperation with the IDF.​​

Mahal Chareidi

T​his program is intended for religious candidates who wish to join a dedicated religious unit. In this track, you will enlist directly into the Haredi unit for a service of 18 months (if approved at the time of the interview).
This course is intended for participants with both high and basic Hebrew language skills – and there are Hebrew lessons provided as needed.

Registration Process

Please note that Mahal cannot guarantee at any stage that you will join the IDF. Funding depends on many factors and Mahal will do their best to help you in the process.​
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Initial Registration

• via Mahal’s chatbot​
• or by sending an email to: Mahal@mod.gov.il

Required documents:

• Passport valid for three years from the day of enlisting.
• Medical form signed by a doctor (signature + stamp) – Mahal Medical Declaration – English (insert file here)
  Original birth certificate and apostille stamp.
• Criminal background check and apostille stamp.
• Original letter from a Rabbi confirming you and at least one of your parents/grandparents are Jewish.​

Interview Process

• You will be summoned for a personal interview at the Mahal offices in Tel Aviv.
• Please bring the documents mentioned in section 1 above to this interview – 1 original + 2 copies.
• The Jewish Agency will receive and review your documents and will recommend issuing a Mahal student visa based on the Chok Hashvut criteria.
• Note: Mahal volunteers who wish to make Aliyah after their service will be required to present documents again.
• Misrad HaPnim – משרד הפנים – Ministry of Interior: Later in the process and before your draft, you will apply for a Mahal residency visa that will be added to your passport to permit your temporary residence in Israel for the extent of your military service. This will be done either through the staff of the program you are in at that time, or by independently going to the Misrad HaPnim.
• First call-up: On a day determined in advance, you will go to the recruitment office where you will undergo the tests, interviews and medical examinations required by the IDF.

Preparatory program and Enlistment

• A four-week Mahal preparatory program for the IDF, which also provides dormitory housing for all participants.
• The program’s objectives are: improving your Hebrew, physical and mental preparation for the army, enrichment classes on Israel and the IDF.
• Important note: the preparatory program is a screening stage, and in order to be accepted in Mahal, you must pass the program successfully.

This guide was created based on the Mahal website.

For more Information:
Email: mahal@mod.gov.il
Phone: +97236084502 Telephone hours: Sun – Thu: 08:00-17:00