Aliyah under fire: 33% jump in young people from abroad joining the lone soldier program
Despite the war, about 300 young Jews from 34 countries will immigrate to Israel this summer as part of the "Tzofim Garin Tzabar" program to enlist in the IDF. Data indicate a sharp increase in participants from France, a jump in the number of religious youth, and an 85% retention rate in the country.
Despite the ongoing fighting and the complex security reality, the connection of diaspora youth to Israel is only deepening. New data published by the "Tzofim Olami" movement indicate a 33% increase in joining the "Garin Tzabar" lone soldier program since the events of October 7.
During the coming summer, about 300 young men and women from 34 countries are expected to arrive in Israel, including the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and India. By the end of 2026, about 550 new immigrants are expected to join the program. The USA continues to lead in the number of participants, with 175 recruits this year.
Key program data:
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About 300 new immigrants will arrive this summer on their way to military service.
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A 33% increase in registration for the program has been recorded since October 7.
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85% of graduates choose to settle in Israel at the end of their military service.
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About 30% of the immigrants' families immigrate to Israel following them.
Data show that alongside the numerical growth, there has been a significant change in the profile of the participants. Since 2022, there has been an 85% jump in the number of religious youth participating in the program. In addition, there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of participants from France, and a 65% increase in the number of graduates with academic education who decided to enlist.
As part of this change, the program will open this year, in cooperation with the Lindenbaum Midrasha, the second cycle of "Garin Tzabar Torani". In this framework, 12 religious young women from the USA will immigrate, combining Torah study and spiritual preparation alongside significant service in the IDF.
Even before putting on the uniform, the Garin members integrate into extensive volunteer activities. Since the outbreak of the war, participants have taken part in agricultural work on the front line, packing packages for soldiers, and assisting host communities.
"From a young age I felt a deep connection to Israel, but after October 7, while my brother was fighting in Gaza, I understood that I also want to be part of the defense of the country and not stand on the sidelines," says S. from Chicago, who will enlist soon. "The decision to immigrate and enlist comes from a sense of responsibility, Zionism, and a desire to contribute. I am starting this path knowing that even the difficulties are part of the meaning."
The "Tzofim Garin Tzabar" movement, established in 1991, operates in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Defense, the Jewish Agency, and the "Masa" organization. In its 35 years of operation, the program has provided a support envelope for over 8,000 lone soldiers, and today about 1,500 soldiers serve within its framework on all combat fronts.
Raz Perl, Chairman of the Tzofim movement, stated: "In a period when Israeli society is dealing with complex questions of shared responsibility, the choice of these young men and women to immigrate, enlist, and serve is a deep expression of commitment and mutual guarantee. Our role is to ensure that none of them makes this journey alone."
The festive opening event of the summer 2026 cycle will take place on September 8 at the Smolarz Auditorium at Tel Aviv University.
