Can Non-Jews and Non-Israelis Join the IDF and/or Become Citizens of Israel?

Israel, a nation with a unique cultural and historical identity, often enlists individuals who share a strong connection to the cultural, spiritual, and historical roots of the Jewish people. However, this raises the question: Can someone who is not Jewish and not a citizen of Israel join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and/or become a citizen of Israel?

Joining the IDF as a Volunteer

While joining the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is not entirely impossible, it can be a challenging and, in many cases, unlikely path for individuals who are neither Jewish nor citizens of Israel. For those who are willing to volunteer, there are some ways to serve:

1. Is it possible for someone who is not Jewish to join the IDF?

Visitors, including those who are not Jewish, can still visit Israel and potentially volunteer for the IDF. However, official enlistment for non-Jews is extremely rare and usually limited to those with exceptional skills in specialized units, such as Special Forces.

IDF Recruitment and Citizenship

The IDF primarily recruits individuals who share a strong connection to the Jewish heritage or who have some form of relation to Israel. This process can be quick for some individuals, whereas others might face significant challenges:

1. Is it easy for non-Jews to become citizens of Israel?

Israel does not prioritize the integration of non-Jews into its society, unlike the Statue of Liberty's promise of opportunity for all. Military service, while providing a path to citizenship, is not typically used as a primary method for achieving this goal.

2. Are there exceptions for non-Jews to join the IDF and become citizens?

There are a few rare exceptions where non-Jews can potentially join the IDF and gain citizenship:

- People with Jewish heritage: Individuals who have at least one Jewish grandparent, even if they are not formally considered Jewish according to religious law, can join the IDF through a program called MAHAL. This program allows them to serve without formally immigrating to Israel.

- Permanent residents: Non-citizens who have obtained permanent residency through marriage to an Israeli citizen, and are younger than 27, might be drafted into the IDF. However, the number of such individuals is limited due to age and other eligibility criteria.

- Arab residents of East Jerusalem: While they are not citizens, it is rare for them to serve in the IDF.

Real-Life Examples

While it is possible for non-Jews to serve in the IDF under certain circumstances, these cases are quite rare and often involve individuals who have strong ties to Israel or exceptional skills:

1. Foreigner with no Jewish heritage:

Foreigners with no Jewish heritage can serve in the IDF through rare programs, but typically only if they are young and Jewish, or if they have a special skill set required by the IDF.

2. Non-Jewish permanent residents:

Non-Jewish permanent residents who have obtained residency through marriage to an Israeli citizen and are younger than 27 might be eligible for conscription or voluntary service. However, the number of such individuals is small.

3. Selective service in East Jerusalem:

Residents of East Jerusalem, even if they do not have Israeli citizenship, rarely serve in the IDF due to their unique legal status and the complex political situation.

Videos and Articles

There are a few notable examples showing non-Jews serving in the IDF, but these cases are rare and often involve individuals with strong connections to Israel:

- Thai woman serving in the IDF:

One such example is a woman of Thai parentage who served in the IDF. She is not considered a foreigner, as she speaks Hebrew like a native.

- FGM and the IDF:

Another example is a Filipino individual who served in the IDF. He was born and raised in Israel and is an Israeli citizen, not a foreigner.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is possible for non-Jews and non-Israelis to join the IDF, it is not a common or easy path. The IDF primarily enlists individuals who have a strong connection to Jewish heritage or are citizens of Israel. Exceptions do exist but are rare and often linked to unique circumstances or special skills. For those looking to become citizens of Israel, military service alone is not sufficient, and alternative pathways through marriages and other legal processes are often required.