History
Mahal (Overseas Volunteers) is the name given to more than 3,000 volunteers from around the world, mostly Jews from Western countries who came to Israel during the War of Independence to help the Haganah and later the IDF, which was taking form, in the battles of war. Mahal is an acronym of מתנדבי חוץ לארץ (Mitnadvei Hutz LaAretz, "volunteers from abroad").
There is no doubt that Mahal contributed greatly to the war effort and laid the foundations for the establishment of the IDF, and therefore, since 1948, the IDF has enabled hundreds of volunteers from around the world to join the army every year and continue to contribute to the State of Israel.
Mahal Today
Mahal today is the only track in the IDF for volunteers from
overseas.
It is the fastest and shortest way to volunteer for a military service.
Mahal does not necessarily mean a short service- Eligibility for the 18-month service track depends on the amount of time you spent in Israel before enlistment, and the examination for eligibility for the year and and-a-half service is conducted only during your application process to the program by the IDF.
Mahal is the implementation of Tzva Am - The Nation Army Model.
They came to us when we needed them most, in those difficult and fateful days of our War of Independence, you have given not only from your experience but your life too. The Israeli people and the State of Israel will never forget." - Former Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin ז"ל
