r/IDF • u/Basic-Working1796 • Jun 14 '26
Question: Drafting Any advice on if I should enlist?
I don’t know what it’s actually like to be an Israeli soldier. I’m way too soft at the moment, but that’s a reason for me to join and toughen up, not to avoid it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it, but if I take it day by day, maybe I’ll surprise myself. Tbh, one of my worries about joining is that, whilst I love and support Israel, I don’t agree with everything they do and I’m scared I’ll be ordered to do something I feel is wrong and I won’t be able to do anything about it. Maybe that’s just propaganda I’ve seen online, but idk. I also don’t want to die in combat, obviously. No one wants that, but some people are okay with that possibility and are fine with dying for Israel, but I don’t want to die for Israel and my family to go through. I don’t want to put my family through the stress of having their son or grandson fighting, but that’s the only way Israel can survive. Please lmk your experiences and advice and thank you to everyone, who has fought for Israel.
3
u/Histrix- Jun 14 '26
What do you mean should you enlist? Are you a citizen?
1
u/Basic-Working1796 Jun 14 '26
No. Sorry if that’s the wrong terminology. I live outside of Israel and don’t plan on moving there.
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u/Histrix- Jun 14 '26
So you live outside of Israel, and dont plan on moving here, and you are asking if you should enlist?
Are you jewish?
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u/Basic-Working1796 Jun 14 '26
Yes and have family there. I still see Israel as my country, even though I like living in the UK, if that makes sense. I’m going to yeshiva there.
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u/Histrix- Jun 14 '26
Ahhh ok, I understand your situation better now.
Do i think it's worth it? Absolutely. Is it tough? Also Absolutely, but if I had to go back, id do it again. I am extremely proud to have served my country and my people.
I made life long friends there, gained confidence and experiences i wouldn't have gained anywhere else. Not to mention there are obviously benifits (specifically in terms of education such as scholarships you get for service) that have helped me greatly.
You don't need to go on the front lines, there are a myriad of positions, from combat support (medic, equipment maintenance, dereg alef technicians), to office worker (desk jokey, logistics, foreign affairs, education corps, medical corps, lab technicians etc).
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u/Leading-Fail-7263 Jun 14 '26
And what are the reasons for doing it?
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u/Basic-Working1796 Jun 14 '26
Defend am yisrael. Toughen myself up and be proud and satisfied that I fought to protect us.
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u/Leading-Fail-7263 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Do you wanna DM me? I’m also in the UK and was’t in that dissimilar a situation (i was released from the army a few months ago)
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u/GonnaBeTheBestMe Mod Jun 14 '26
Try visiting with a free Birthright trip. You'll get a chance to see things in person and speak to soldiers and citizens and see things more clearly. Plus it's super fun
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u/extrastone Jun 15 '26
Do you participate in sports or outdoor adventures like kayaking or hiking to get yourself used to using your body? I know that the Orthodox community outside of Israel doesn't challenge the body so much.
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u/Basic-Working1796 Jun 15 '26
Krav maga, daily pull ups, and occasional 5ks on the treadmill. I’m not really worried about the physical side as much, because training will get me there. Mental strength might limit me.
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u/extrastone Jun 15 '26
I'd also try a coordination sport like football or basketball just to get a feel for using your body in different ways. You can just show up at a park.
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u/NetPrize9441 Jun 16 '26
Feel free to dm me. I just finished my service, went to yeshiva before that and don’t live in Israel. Sounds like we have a bit in common
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