Hundreds of young Olim attend Jerusalem Conference ahead of mandatory IDF service

More than 400 participants between the ages of 17 and 22 attended the conference. The attendees included young immigrants who recently moved to Israel independently or with their families and are expected to begin their military service within the coming months or over the next two years.

Organizers said the conference was designed to provide guidance and practical support for young Olim navigating the enlistment process while adapting to life in a new country.

“The Nefesh B’Nefesh - FIDF Lone Soldiers Program is committed to enabling every young immigrant who is obligated to enlist into the IDF, a meaningful and successful service,” said Shraga Weissman, Director of the Nefesh B’Nefesh-FIDF Lone Soldiers Program. “We are proud to see these inspiring young adults who chose to make Aliyah, most without a support system, driven by a deep sense of mission and a love for the country. ‘Olim Al Madim’ is designed to provide the necessary tools and confidence needed ahead of their mandatory enlistment, and to ensure they will not be alone. Together with our partners, we are committed to accompanying and supporting them throughout their upcoming service and beyond.”

According to organizers, inquiries related to Aliyah have increased by several hundred percent since October 7, particularly among young adults seeking to integrate into Israeli society and contribute through national service.

“Since October 7, we have seen growing interest in Aliyah to Israel, especially among young adults who are eager to take an active role in Israeli society, integrate into the community, and build their future here,” said Merav Mandelbaum, Chairwoman of the Wings Program. “The young Olim who are here today made Aliyah out of a sense of mission and love for the country. Many of them chose to immigrate alone, leaving behind family and friends. Together with our partners, we will continue to provide them with a warm and professional support system, so they know they are not alone and that we are all their family here in Israel.”

As part of the conference, the IDF’s Meitav Unit operated a mobile recruitment center on-site. Participants were able to submit enlistment documents and receive guidance on placement procedures, psychometric and Hebrew proficiency evaluations, service conditions, academic reserve programs, advanced degree tracks, and other aspects of military service.

“I made Aliyah on my own because I truly believe this is the home of the Jewish people and where I can be myself freely,” said D., a 22-year-old Oleh from the United States who holds a degree in mechanical engineering and is preparing to enlist in the IDF. “I always wanted to move to Israel, but it was important to my parents that I first complete college. Now that I’ve finished, I decided to continue with my original plan and make Aliyah. Since I’m at the age where I’m required to enlist, I came here to get more information and understand how I can contribute to the IDF in the most meaningful way possible.”

Representatives from participating organizations, including Nefesh B’Nefesh, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Merage Foundation Israel, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Construction and Housing, and the IDF Human Resources Directorate’s Lone Soldiers Center, were also present throughout the event to provide information on benefits, housing assistance, rights, and support services available to Olim serving in the military.

The Nefesh B’Nefesh–FIDF Lone Soldiers Program has operated in coordination with the IDF since 2012, providing assistance and support services to lone immigrant soldiers throughout their military service and transition into civilian life. The Wings Program, operated by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Merage Foundation Israel in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, supports lone Olim preparing for IDF service and integration into Israeli society through education, employment, and community support initiatives.