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Answering a different call: Americans who fight for Israel
Found this article interesting.
It's believed there are approximately 750 Americans currently serving in the Israeli military, according to Friends of IDF, an advocacy organization based in New York.
Although there are no firm numbers of those who have signed up in recent days, the interest level of Americans seems to have increased amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to Orit Mizner, southwest regional director for Friends of Israel Scouts, an organization that helps North American Jews stay connected to Israel.
Americans have been serving in the IDF for decades. Israel requires that its citizens serve in the military when they turn 18 -- three years for men, two years for women. Young Americans with dual citizenship living in Israel are required to serve as well.
Those outside Israel, whether they hold Israeli citizenship or not, can apply for the IDF of they meet requirements including no criminal record, a high school diploma and the ability to speak Hebrew.
Although there are no firm numbers of those who have signed up in recent days, the interest level of Americans seems to have increased amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to Orit Mizner, southwest regional director for Friends of Israel Scouts, an organization that helps North American Jews stay connected to Israel.
Americans have been serving in the IDF for decades. Israel requires that its citizens serve in the military when they turn 18 -- three years for men, two years for women. Young Americans with dual citizenship living in Israel are required to serve as well.
Those outside Israel, whether they hold Israeli citizenship or not, can apply for the IDF of they meet requirements including no criminal record, a high school diploma and the ability to speak Hebrew.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/23/world/meast/israeli-military-americans/index.html?hpt=hp_t2