Get Me a Draft Card!
Why some American students are enlisting in Israel.
By Ryan Werder, University of Michigan
Wednesday October 4, 2006
While the majority of college students would oppose a military draft in the United States, some American students are voluntarily entering into a mandatory service program– in Israel.
 Since Israel’s founding in 1948, military service has been required of Israeli men and women. All immigrants to Israel under the age of 28 must serve at least six months in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Hundreds of Americans between the ages of 18 and 28 immigrate to Israel each year. And there are also Americans who join the IDF directly through programs like Mahal2000 and Machal Hesder. These programs do not require Israeli citizenship, only that applicants be Jewish.
So why are students here in America putting themselves in the line of fire in one of the most volatile regions in the world, and for what some students on their campuses might even think is the wrong side?
To those making aliyah (immigrating to Israel), joining the IDF doesn’t feel forced. Zach Bier, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, isn’t necessarily interested in immigrating to Israel yet, but he says he is set on joining the IDF at some point in the future. “If I consider myself part of the Jewish Nation…I feel guilty about not joining my fellow Jews in defending that nation,” Bier told Campus Progress.
The sentiment of connection to Israel manifests itself in various ways: a curiosity about the culture, a religious connection to the Jewish homeland, a fervent desire to physically defend the land and the people, and a simple sense of duty. Throw in the famous Jewish guilt, and these men and women feel as if choice is no longer part of the equation. They feel they must serve.
Scott Goode, a University of Illinois student currently studying in Israel, said he would be interested in joining the IDF to get a taste of what it might be like to make aliyah. In Israel, the Army is a far more integral part of building nationalism than an ancient ruin or modern night club.Dara Yaskil, a Michigan sophomore, says there is no substitute for enlisting. From her American point of view, she considers the IDF essentially the center of Israeli life.
Israelis call Jews who come to Israel to serve in the IDF “lone soldiers.” Unlike the majority of troops, these soldiers do not emerge organically from the state and families with military experience. Yet they adhere to the same requirements as any other IDF soldier and serve there in all the same capacities. Many Jews who make aliyah and join the army have spent a significant portion of their lives in Israel, but others haven’t. Regardless, “lone soldiers” risk experiencing a sense of isolation. Goode, who first began having thoughts of emigrating when he was a senior in high school, says that he now has some doubts. “I realize that if I were to make aliyah, I wouldn’t be… surrounded by all my friends.”
Of course American Jews do not have to serve Israel at all unless they choose to make aliyah. But in Israel, abstaining from service is not a decision to be made lightly. Those Israelis who choose not to serve are called refusniks. These citizens are not necessarily the peaceniks one might remember from the Vietnam era, despite the similar suffix. Many refuseniks believe for religious regions that the occupation of the West Bank is contrary to Judaism. Others refuse out of political motivations—they believe that the occupation is a disastrous policy for the State of Israel and that the repercussions could be devastating. In general, these are citizens who have a deep love for their country and are not all pacifists. The refusenik term is also applied to Israeli soldiers who refuse certain missions, such as any in the occupied territories. In addition to military service, Israel offers other national service options for those who choose not to join the military for various reasons. But those who refuse all military service will never be a part of the nationalist mindset forged by service amongst their compatriots—no small sacrifice in a nation with compulsory military service.
There are many Jews in America who are sympathetic to Israeli refuseniks, but because they are not expected to serve, their convictions lack the symbolic power of the choice of American Jew who enlists to support the IDF.
No single factor, including Judaism, can explain this attraction toward the armed forces.Though the Jewish faith is a primary pillar of the Jewish state, it is certainly not always the principle reason for her citizens to defend Israel. Yaskil says that she “deeply believe[s] in having a Jewish state. Without our traditions we are nothing.” For others, like Bier, the major motivation to take up arms is less for the cultural immersion than for defense of an ethnic homeland. In his words, he is fighting to protect Israel from those “who would give anything to wipe Israel off the map.”
Whether for Judaism, love of the Israeli state, or to satisfy a strong cultural curiosity, some young Americans are willing to go abroad to fight for a land which is not the United States. These students are steadfast in their choice and will soon be “lone soldiers.” Brett Wilner, a University of Minnesota senior who studied abroad in Israel last spring, summed up their collective sentiment best: “I don’t have a choice, just like any Israeli doesn’t have a choice.”
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I wish there were similar emotions for defending peaceful and diplomatic means! Since only such can render sustainable international security.
— Sana - Oct 6, 02:45 AM - #This is an insane post to be on a “progressive” site. If there was an article posted on this site giving the same slobbering and unthinking praise to serving in the US Army, I tend to think that many people would condemn it as cheap propaganda. So why is it OK if we’re talking about the Israeli army? Progressives ought to be thinking about nonviolent ways to help end the conflict in the Middle East, not ways in which they can help kill other people. I suggest you all check out OneVoice (www.silentnolonger.org) to help wash some of this drivel out of your heads.
— Kay - Oct 6, 09:19 AM - #To understand the kind of State & govt. these young people feel compelled to fight for and “defend,” one has only to read Israeli writers such Uri Avnery, Amira Hass, Tanya Reinhart, Gideon Levy, Gilad Atzmon, Israel Shamir, and countless others on such websites as Counterpunch, Antiwar and Consortium News. It would behoove them to find out the factual reality and not just the propoganda.
Maybe then the guilt these young people feel will lead them to work towards true peace and a better life for all instead of the Sharon variety.
— Salwa - Oct 6, 01:46 PM - #If these people find themselves languishing in a Islamic version of Guantanimo Bay one day I wonder what the reaction of the US Government would be. Though of course it wouldn’t be hard to guess.
— M Gibson - Oct 7, 11:17 AM - #It’s time to recognize that national liberation movements include one called “Zionism.” Denial of Jews’ right to self-determination is racist. At the same time, the fascist Islamic movments are enslaving women and minorities.
— roc - Oct 7, 06:44 PM - #To Roc- Isn’t the Israeli state denying the Palestinians’ right to self-determination? (At least you rise above the racism by stereotyping all the “fascist Islamic movements”.) Pot calling the kettle black much? It’s a vicious circle of each side thinking their rights are important—unfortunately one side is getting all the arms and diplomatic support to enforcing their right to self-determination.
— Jessica - Oct 7, 09:25 PM - #I agree! Articles on this site should only talk about progressive ways to end the bloodshed in the Middle East. I have a few I wrote in a freelance capacity. One is about a Jewish girl who gives a suicide bomber flowers to stop him from his mission. Another one is about talking to someone from Hezballah and convincing him to respect human rights. Then I have a Hallmark card I sent to the leaders of Iran, explaining the history of the Holocaust. I think they will respond by inviting me to tea.
— Ruv - Oct 9, 10:44 AM - #My point: armies defend rights, even progressive rights. The Israeli army is an example of a people protecting its PROGRESSIVE RIGHT for a people to live in a soverign and secure historical homeland. Sometimes violence is used to protect rights – its sad, but true. self-defense is a virtue.
Given that the Palestiians were offered a state when Clinton was President, and that the Israelis left Gaza and had plans to leave much of the West Bank until that, and that the PA has controlled much of what a future Palestinian state would look like, Israel isn’t violating rights to self-determination.
— Michael - Oct 9, 02:31 PM - #It might be sometimes hard for some of you liberals to understand. But, some of us American Jews (one myself) who are planning on joining the IDF (which I plan on doing) are liberals, who do support a peaceful end to the situation.
— Brett - Oct 10, 03:04 AM - #I agree with Brett. The Jews who choose to make aliyah and join the IDF are not staunch conservatives. They are liberals. I also plan on joining the IDF. I don’t want to go to war. I support the importance of talking, but to be without an army would be a mistake. Israel is a place unlike America, you can’t understand unless you have been there. The IDF is not looked at as fascist, it’s just a milestone in life there.
— ripsy - Oct 10, 07:23 AM - #ripsy….you mean the way american soldiers were looked up to during WWII? obvoiusly every country needs an army, otherwise you have no defense when attacked. no one’s arguing that. what people are saying is that you should have your army, but not fight. peaceful communication and deliberation are the most important. and to those of you who say that you plan to join in order to support peaceful ends, when has fighting ever lead to peaceful ends. ” so the next generation can live in peace….” every generation fights for the next, and when that happens, no generation lives in peace.
— alyson - Oct 10, 04:02 PM - #If there were a draft in America, I too would prefer to be drafted in Israel. Israel is forced into wars by Arab governments who want Israel to disappear. Also, may it be remembered that ONLY Israel (not the Arab govts, not the Palestinians themselves, nor the world) gave the Palestinians self-rule when they created the Palestinian Authority. ISRAEL WANTS ALL PEOPLE TO LIVE IN FREEDOM, SECURITY, AND PEACE. It’s about time the Arab governments recognize this as well.
— Matt Hoffman - Oct 11, 02:31 AM - #Guys, check your history; Britain gave the Palestinians self rule along with the Zionists (at about the same time as Zionist terrorists were blowing up British soldiers). Then the Israeli’s took it away from the Palestinians. Also I thought you guys were Americans, if so why aren’t you joining the US army, don’t want to know about that one eh? The word crusader comes to mind…The lies the hypocrisy and the narrow mindedness are amazing.
— M Gibson - Oct 13, 04:26 AM - #M. Gibson you sound like an ignorant fool.
— Thomas - Oct 24, 12:22 AM - #I would Convert to Judaism, (I would likley to refer to myself as a Messianic Jew) and head straight to the west bank.
— Harrison Trent - Oct 24, 12:12 PM - #Thomas, If I am as you say “an ignorant fool” then undoubtedly I am fully qualified to run either Israel or the USA. As ignorance and foolishness seem to be the main characteristics of both nations leaders. You however are qualified to be an abusive moron which solves nothing you poor idiot,
— M Gibson - Oct 25, 08:30 AM - #Note: I am quoted in this article. Not for one second do I want to prolong the bloodshed;but, the reality is there is a need to defend Israel at the moment because the suicide bombings and rocket attacks have not let up. For you to think that I am ignorant—well, that is just offensive. I’ve been to Israel 9 times and I know the facts better than you. I want peace as much as anybody but there are others that don’t agree. They are continuining the violence and therefore, there is a need to defend Israel. That is why I would enlist. Go find some other website to dishonor.
— Zachary Bier - Nov 17, 11:10 AM - #Peace would revert that terrorist founded dust bowl to the international sidelines. THAT is the last thing that you want. Without the violence no spotlight, no spotlight no influence and no massive US military aide, ergo the Israeli lobby would be weakened THAT you don’t want. Hence Sharons continuance through his own little sermon on the mount. I for one and without doubt millions of others on this planet are sick and tired of having our security held to ransom by the intransigence and bloody mindedness of a few million selfish can’t be wrongers, who would have had to have found a way out if it wasn’t for a weak as piss US gov’t who are scared of THE LOBBY and like that cruddy little dump were also founded by war and have therefore had a perpetual one ever since. I wonder what would happen if the mighty Israeli Death Forces ever had to fight a real army (and I don’t include any of the Arab ones) especially if they didn’t have big daddy backing them up. As for the suicides and rocket attacks, they are disgusting but have a good look at the scoreboard, Israels behaviour is even worse. What happened in the Lebanon this year was outright pornography, no justification, and all it proved was how weak Israel and by extension the US really is, as even with the scoreboard in that one Israel was still the loser. Face it Israel only has one friend in the world and that is the most hated nation on earth, fine bedfellows. Of course as with any voice of dissent I will now be labeled anti Semite, even though that’s a old blanket thats worn thin through overuse and is now meaningless (cry wolf). The very fact that you live in the US and have been to Israel 9 times means that you lack the objectivity to know any facts also a quick reference back on this sight would inform you as to who started the offensiveness, but then your sort have never been interested in the truth, just the vitriol. If Israel wants to live in peace then compliance with international law and a return to it’s own borders might be a good start, but then you expect to use the UN not obey it. You also say Israel needs to be defended and that you would enlist, I take it then that you have no intention of actually doing so. What don’t you want to fight the good fight and get 4 times as much Palestinian blood on your hands as you ever see of Israelis. What price AK47’s, Katusha’s, and suicide bombs when your toting Apaches, Merkovas, F15’s and of course the Nukes that you are strangely enough ‘permitted’ to have. Looks like David and his sling have joined the other side, now who’s Goliath. No body but the US takes Israel seriously anymore you’ve used it up and no body takes the US seriously anymore as they have well and truly been seen through for what they are, Fascists. So mate stick your honour.
— M Gibson - Nov 28, 10:42 AM - #Mel Gibson was politically incorrect, but historically accurate. Therefore I vote for a pre-emptive military strike against Israel. Yes, war sucks, to take it to where it all started. The world does not want or need the barbaric state of Israel, except liberal US democrats. If you yankmes or brits want to join the IDF, go ahead but don’t come back. I will never forget the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 1967. Israel must pay for her human rights abuses and abuses against humanity. And so should the USA and the UK. They are all guilty of war crimes.
— Sir Richard Burton - Dec 6, 01:25 AM - #I think you’ll find it’s the Christain Fundalmentalist republican neocons who are the current best buddies the Israeli’s have. They both have the same M/East agenda, and they both believe in fairy stories. Screw the USS Liberty (I remember Tonkin). Hows Africa these days Sir Rich’? Are you still pissed that Speke beat you to the Nile source? Teach you right for being an Imperialist.
— M Gibson - Dec 10, 09:54 AM - #