Despite the war: more young Jews choose to immigrate to Israel and enlist in the IDF

About 300 young Jews from 34 countries will immigrate to Israel this summer as part of the Tzabar nucleus, with a 33% increase in joiners since October 7. The US leads with 175 recruits. 85% stay in the country, and 30% of their families immigrate. There has been an 85% increase in religious youth and a 20-fold increase from France. A Torah program for 12 young women will also open.

About 300 young Jewish men and women from 34 countries will immigrate to Israel this coming summer as part of the Tzabar nucleus program of the World Scout Movement, in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Defense, the Jewish Agency, and Masa, with the aim of enlisting in the IDF as lone soldiers. According to program data, since October 7 there has been a 33% increase in the number of joiners, and in total about 550 new immigrants are expected to join by the end of 2026. The young people come from, among others, the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, India, and other countries. The United States continues to lead with 175 recruits this year. The data shows that about 85% of participants stay in the country and establish their homes there, and about 30% of their families immigrate to Israel following them. Since 2022, there has been an 85% increase in the rate of religious youth, and their number has grown 2.5 times. Meanwhile, there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of joiners from France, and the alumni population has grown by 65% since October 7. Even before their enlistment, participants integrate into volunteer activities, including agricultural work in communities along the conflict line, packing food and equipment packages for soldiers, and assisting local communities. This year will also see the second cohort of the Torah Tzabar nucleus, in which 12 religious young women from the United States will immigrate, twice as many as the previous year. The opening event will take place on September 8 at the Smolarz Hall at Tel Aviv University. Raz Perl, chair of the Scout Movement, was quoted as saying that currently about 1,500 Tzabar nucleus soldiers serve on all fronts.