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IDF soldiers (archives)
Photo: Reuters

75% of lone soldiers see future in Israel

Poll conducted by Jewish Agency finds three-quarters of lone soldiers who have made aliyah and are about to conclude service feel native Israelis’ sympathetic attitude towards them constitutes important factor of their desire to stay in Jewish state, integrate into Israeli community

A poll conducted by the Jewish Agency finds that approximately 75% of lone soldiers see their future in Israel. The poll was conducted among 113 lone soldiers who have made aliyah and are about to conclude their service in the army.

 

The poll found that 75% of lone soldiers believe that the native Israelis’ sympathetic attitude towards them constitutes an important factor of their desire to stay in Israel and integrate into the Israeli community.

 

Seventy-nine percent believe that the assistance by professional groups significantly contributes to their Israeli feeling and their desire to start a future in Israel.

 

Only 47% of those polled said that financial difficulties are affecting their integration into society and only 22% said that difficulties with the Hebrew language are a factor. This data shows that the feeling of belonging is more important to the process of integration than the barriers of absorption.

 

Shalom Life spoke with a local Israeli whose son made aliyah two and a half years ago and began his army service two weeks ago. “He loves Israel very very much,” she said.

 

“He made aliyah and he travelled all alone, without any family or friends. At the time he didn’t speak Hebrew very well. It’s absolutely amazing to hear how wonderful his Hebrew is now.”

 

The proud mother told us that her son has several offers of possible army jobs and hasn’t yet decided what exactly he’ll do in the army. He is required to serve for one year and loves the country so much that he is likely to stay there after that time. “I’m very proud of my son,” said his mother.

 

Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.11.10, 14:54
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