IDF to Begin New Outreach Program with Christians Eligible for Draft
As part of a new program to make information and voluntary drafting options available to the Christian population, the IDF will begin to distribute voluntary enlistment forms to all potential Christian recruits. The forms will provide clear and coherent information regarding the voluntary enlistment process and the different service options they may choose, including combat.
22.04.14
0
Some of the Christian IDF soldiers who attended the Israeli Christians Recruitment Forum.
The recent change in protocol was implemented following IDF contacts with Israeli Christian community leaders and with the authorization of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon and the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benjamin (Benny) Gantz.
Since the service of the Christian population in Israel is not obligatory by law, potential recruiters are not required to respond to the invitation.
Currently, approximately 100 Christians serve in various positions and units in the IDF.
Head of the Human Resource Planning and Management Division, Brig. Gen. Gadi says, “This change will constitute another step in the integration and connection of the Christian population with the IDF. The purpose of this change is to make information regarding drafting to the IDF more accessible to the Christian population, and in doing so, enable them to enlist and carry out a meaningful service. We are actively working towards integrating all populations and see this as a very important step in that direction.”
Monaliza Abdo, Arab Christian soldier who recently finished her IDF service
