Overview
Mahal is a track for overseas volunteers who wish to serve in the Israeli Defence Forces without making Aliyah.
Mahal brings to life the right of every Jew to try to enlist in the IDF.
The regular Mahal track is intended for women aged 18-21 and men aged 18-23 who wish to serve in various IDF units. If you are interested in Mahal Hesder, please see this page.
Important to know before you continue
It’s important you understand: Mahal is a track to enlistment, not a social or academic program.
The Registration and screening processes for Mahal are free. However, participation in Mahal entails personal expenses. Your flight and housing accommodation in Israel are your responsibility.
There are many lone soldier housing options you can explore here.
Enlistment through Mahal entails a screening process.
You must pass all the sorting stages, and your arrival in Israel does not guarantee your enlistment.
Mahal cannot guarantee any specific role in the IDF.
We request you begin initial studying of Hebrew prior to your arrival to Israel.
Hebrew Level
Before arriving in Israel, we request you to work on your Hebrew and build a foundation.
This does not necessarily require private Hebrew classes or a tutor.
Rather, you must take initiative to learn Hebrew through:
Finding Hebrew speakers in your community
Free apps on your phone, such as Duolingo
Music and television in Hebrew
Candidates who spend time securing a Hebrew foundation are more likely to make it to their desired roles and integrate better within their units. This is because all IDF courses are in Hebrew. At orientation day, The Mahal office needs to see that you made an effort to begin your Hebrew studies prior to arriving in Israel. Additionally, if the IDF determines your Hebrew level is sufficiently high, you will be able to enlist directly into a military role without requiring a preliminary Hebrew course.
If your Hebrew is at a lower level, you will need to attend an intensive Hebrew language course (Ulpan) combined with basic training in a military base called Michve Alon. Michve Alon gives you a chance to improve your Hebrew level. Even after attending Michve Alon, your role will still depend on your Hebrew proficiency; and it's not possible to 'count' only on Michve Alon for Hebrew.
Your role in the IDF
Shibbutz - שיבוץ - your designated role in the IDF.
Your Shibbutz depends on personal data from your Tsav Rishon:
Your medical profile
Your Dapar Score
Your personal interview
Your Hebrew score
The IDF offers a variety of combat and non-combat roles. We recommend you research roles prior to your arrival in Israel and find what interests you. You may read about IDF roles on the draftidf site and on this PDF summary. However, available positions vary between draft cycles, depending on IDF needs. Therefore, it's not possible to count on being placed in any specific position.
Generally, roles that require prior sorting are not open to Mahal candidates.
When you request roles, they must either be all combat or all non-combat.
Please take into considiratin the fact the
Hadracha Roles
Hadracha roles involve instructing or teaching other soldiers. Please note that all "Hadracha" roles fall into one category. Therefore it is not possible to request more than one Hadracha role, and if you request Hadracha you may be placed in any instructional role.
Combat roles
Various combat roles are open for both men and women. Candidates interested in serving in combat roles must have their parents’ consent to do so. You may indicate your interest in combat service through the relevant forms on the registration page.
Please note that once you submit the document indicating you are interested in combat service, the army may assign you to ANY combat unit, depending on army needs. This may not be your first-choice placement.
Dedicated units for Haredi men
Haredi candidates may request to join a dedicated religious unit, but must undergo an additional interview with a Haredi unit. As of now - the options for Mahal Haredi are the following units: Netzach Yehuda Battalion, Hasmonean Brigade, and Chetz (Paratroopers). Candidates must pass a Gibbush tryout day to serve in Chetz.
Yom Sayarot and special forces
Special forces are elite voluntary units. Through Mahal it is difficult to get sorted to such special positions, but it is possible to ask for an interview. Enlistment for special forces also requires passing Yom Sayarot tryout day which tests your physical and mental capabilities. Special forces require you to serve a full service, and you may need to push back your draft cycle in order to attend Yom Sayarot. Note that there is no Yom Sayarot ahead of the March draft.
