French Youth Immigrate to Israel to Join IDF

Dozens of young adults from France have made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel, leaving behind their families and comfortable lives to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The group, participants in the "Gur Aryeh" preparatory program run by the World Betar movement, arrived in Israel with a strong desire to contribute to the country, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks and rising antisemitism in France.

The program, which includes both men and women, provides intensive Hebrew language studies, physical training, and navigation exercises to prepare the immigrants for military service. The men train in Ashdod, while the women are housed in a reception center in Ashkelon. Participants described the decision to immigrate as a response to feelings of insecurity and a desire to live in a place where they could be themselves.

Many cited the events of October 7th as a significant motivator, with one participant stating, "I saw in a film that on October 7th soldiers saved their country, and that made me want to fight too." Another explained, "The reason I'm doing this program is because I want to live in Israel. I can't live here, be here, but not give to the country."

After an eight-month program culminating in a 60-kilometer hike, the participants are now enlisting in the IDF. For them, military service is seen as a crucial step towards integrating into Israeli society and fulfilling their Zionist dreams. Parents who traveled from France to witness the enlistment expressed pride and support, despite initial concerns about their children serving in a country at war.

The program's director, Yehuda Salamah, highlighted the challenges overcome, including language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness, emphasizing the program's success in helping the young immigrants achieve their goal of becoming soldiers and feeling at home in Israel.