Young French immigrants make dramatic decision: 'We are all enlisting'

Hundreds of young immigrants from France took part in a study fair in Jerusalem, during which participants of the 'Israeli Experience' program raised a sign reading 'We are all enlisting' and announced they would stay in Israel to enlist in the IDF and national service. Yosef, a participant in Machal, says he arrived in the country last October to prepare for enlistment, and insists on full service in the paratroopers, following his brother. The conference was held in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and other senior officials.

Hundreds of young immigrants from France took part in a study fair for immigrants in Jerusalem, and during the event one moment stole the show: participants of the 'Israeli Experience' program raised a sign reading 'We are all enlisting' and announced they would stay in Israel to enlist in the IDF and national service. Yosef, a Machal participant, told Maariv that he arrived in the country last October to join a preparatory program of the Bar-Ilan journey participants of the 'Israeli Experience', with the aim of improving his Hebrew, preparing for life in Israel, studying for the psychometric exam, and being ready for enlistment. While most Machal participants serve a shortened service, he insists on full service in the paratroopers, following his brother who enlisted there. Toledo, from the Israeli Experience, noted that the 'Parfa' program, in partnership with 'Masa', prepares them for academic studies, life in the country, and military service, with the goal that they become active citizens and agents of change in the spirit of Zionist values, mutual responsibility, and love of the land. The conference was held in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Dganit Banker-Langa, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel, and Deputy Chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive Yaron Shavit.