French Youth Immigrate to Israel to Join IDF Amid Rising Antisemitism

Dozens of young adults from France have made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel, leaving behind comfortable lives and concerned families 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 the motivation to serve, particularly in the wake of the October 7th Hamas attacks and rising antisemitism in France.

Many described feeling unsafe in France, with one new oleh stating, "There's always a feeling that when I go out somewhere in France, I'm either depressed, or there's something behind me." The program aims to prepare them for military service and life in Israel, with boys training in Ashdod and girls in a reception center in Ashkelon. They undergo intensive Hebrew language studies, navigation exercises, and physical training.

"The reason I'm doing this program is because I want to live in Israel," explained one participant. "I can't live here, be here, but not give to the country." For many, wearing IDF uniform is seen as a true entry into Israeli society and a way to contribute to their homeland.

The program culminates in a challenging 60-kilometer hike, with some parents traveling from France to join the final kilometers. The journey concludes with the recruits' enlistment into the IDF, a moment described as the peak of their long process of cultural and linguistic adaptation. "We came from the airport when we started with them, we accompanied them. The biggest challenge is to bring them to this point, to overcome all the gaps of language, culture, mentality, and longing, and actually fulfill their dream," said one of the program's instructors.

For these young immigrants, enlisting in the IDF signifies not just fulfilling a Zionist dream but also a definitive choice to make Israel their home and actively defend it.