Young American Jews Immigrate to Israel for Military Service
Nefesh B’Nefesh expects over 4,000 North Americans to immigrate to Israel in 2026, with many young adults enlisting in the military.
A growing population of young American Jews is immigrating to Israel and enlisting in the military following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The nonprofit Nefesh B’Nefesh expects more than 4,000 North Americans to make aliyah in 2026, noting an average age of 29 among these arrivals.
Driven by ideology and rising global antisemitism, some immigrants pursue full citizenship to join combat units, while others utilize the Mahal program to serve without immediate citizenship. This influx comes as the Israel Defense Forces face a shortage of approximately 12,000 soldiers, prompting suggestions to expand volunteer programs to fill the gap.
This trend of immigration contrasts with a broader wave of emigration from the region. Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that nearly 270,000 Israeli citizens left the country between 2023 and 2025. While some new arrivals are motivated by professional or academic opportunities, the current wave is characterized by a distinct commitment to military service and national security.
