Hundreds of young immigrants from around the world gathered in Jerusalem this week for the “Olim Al Madim” expo, an event aimed at helping them prepare for mandatory service in the IDF as Aliyah inquiries continue to rise sharply following the October 7 attacks.
Nefesh B'Nefesh - Olim Al Madim
(Credit: Gil Shalev)
The conference brought together more than 400 young men and women, ages 17 to 22, who recently immigrated to Israel either alone or with their families and are expected to enlist in the coming months. Many are expected to serve as lone soldiers, navigating military service without close family in the country. The event was organized by the Nefesh B’Nefesh-Friends of the IDF Lone Soldiers Program, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Wings Program, Merage Foundation Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, in cooperation with the IDF’s Meitav Unit.
For many participants, the conference offered a first practical step into a system that can be difficult to navigate while adapting to a new language, culture and country. Shraga Weissman, director of the Nefesh B’Nefesh-Friends of the IDF Lone Soldiers Program, said the event was designed to make the enlistment process more accessible and to ensure young immigrants receive guidance before beginning their service.“As Aliyah inquiries have increased by several hundred percent since October 7,” Weissman said, the expo was intended to provide young immigrants with information, guidance and support ahead of enlistment.
The IDF’s Meitav Unit operated a mobile recruitment center on-site, allowing participants to submit documents and receive personal guidance on enlistment procedures, placement processes, psychometric and Hebrew proficiency evaluations, service conditions, academic reserve programs and advanced degree tracks.
Representatives from Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Jewish Agency, 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 to provide information on rights, benefits, housing assistance and ongoing support services. Weissman said the organization is committed to helping young immigrants complete meaningful and successful military service.
“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,” Weissman said. “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.”
Merav Mandelbaum, chairwoman of the Wings Program, said the rise in Aliyah interest since October 7 has been especially visible among young adults seeking to take an active role in Israeli society. “The young Olim who are here today made Aliyah out of a sense of mission and love for the country,” Mandelbaum said. “Many of them chose to immigrate alone, leaving behind family and friends.”
Participants said military service was both a duty and a way to deepen their connection to Israel. One 18-year-old participant said putting on the uniform for the first time would make the move feel real. “That moment will really, personally for me, make me finally realize that I’ve accomplished something,” the participant said. Another young immigrant said service in the IDF would help with integration into Israeli society. “I was raised in a Zionist family and I’ve always had a very strong connection to Israel, so I always knew I wanted to be here,” the participant said. “I think my service will really help me assimilate and become truly Israeli.”
A 22-year-old immigrant from the United States, identified only as D., said he moved to Israel after completing a degree in mechanical engineering and came to the conference to better understand how he could contribute. “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,” he said. “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.”
Some participants said the war had made their transition more difficult, but also strengthened their desire to be in Israel. “My transition to Israel has been a little bit hard, especially with the start of the war, but it just makes me want to be with our people even more,” one participant said. Another said the conference provided practical help, including guidance for religious soldiers and a chance to meet future lone soldiers from other countries.
A former lone soldier who helped run the event said the goal was to reduce the isolation many young immigrants feel when entering the army without family support nearby. “It’s difficult enough being here without family, so we help them as much as we can, give them as much assistance so they feel a little bit less alone,” he said.
First published: 10:55, 05.12.26