UMD students attempt futures in Israeli defense forces
By: Danielle Chazen
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Israeli Affairs
While most college students stress over endless amounts of homework and exams, several Jewish students at this university have spent their time struggling to enlist in the Israeli army.
These students are American citizens who chose to act as volunteers and postponed their graduation dates to dedicate themselves to Israel's armed forces. However, these volunteers found the drafting process was frustrating and time consuming, causing them to return to college and leave their dreams of enlisting behind.
Jessica Katz, a sophomore communications major, and Yonatan Keschner, a junior environmental technology major, tried to enlist and found that the army's bureaucratic nature prevented them from serving.
Both students spent months in Israel waiting to receive a tzav giyus, or order to draft.
Katz arrived in Israel in May 2008, after completing her freshman year. She waited over six months to be drafted before deciding to return to college.
"I wanted to join the army because I am very Zionist and I want to live there one day. Therefore, I believe that I have the same obligation to serve as the Israeli citizens that live there now," Katz said.
In order to enlist, one must prove that he or she is Jewish, meet with the Jewish Agency, attain an A-2 visa, receive a letter from Mahal, a special section of the army for volunteers from outside Israel, be evaluated by a psychiatrist, and take physical and IQ tests at the Tel HaShomer.
"The worst part of the process was the fact that nobody was helpful. The Jewish Agency had short hours. The visa office usually makes you wait two months for an appointment, and you have to wait in line at the Tel HaShomer for most of the day," Katz said.
Elie Berman, a junior government and politics major who was drafted in 2005, said he had to receive a temporary identification number to officiate that he was conscripted into the army since it is illegal for Americans to volunteer for a foreign army.
These students are American citizens who chose to act as volunteers and postponed their graduation dates to dedicate themselves to Israel's armed forces. However, these volunteers found the drafting process was frustrating and time consuming, causing them to return to college and leave their dreams of enlisting behind.
Jessica Katz, a sophomore communications major, and Yonatan Keschner, a junior environmental technology major, tried to enlist and found that the army's bureaucratic nature prevented them from serving.
Both students spent months in Israel waiting to receive a tzav giyus, or order to draft.
Katz arrived in Israel in May 2008, after completing her freshman year. She waited over six months to be drafted before deciding to return to college.
"I wanted to join the army because I am very Zionist and I want to live there one day. Therefore, I believe that I have the same obligation to serve as the Israeli citizens that live there now," Katz said.
In order to enlist, one must prove that he or she is Jewish, meet with the Jewish Agency, attain an A-2 visa, receive a letter from Mahal, a special section of the army for volunteers from outside Israel, be evaluated by a psychiatrist, and take physical and IQ tests at the Tel HaShomer.
"The worst part of the process was the fact that nobody was helpful. The Jewish Agency had short hours. The visa office usually makes you wait two months for an appointment, and you have to wait in line at the Tel HaShomer for most of the day," Katz said.
Elie Berman, a junior government and politics major who was drafted in 2005, said he had to receive a temporary identification number to officiate that he was conscripted into the army since it is illegal for Americans to volunteer for a foreign army.
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