As Israelis, Will My American Bochur Be Drafted?       

Say a young couple from the US or the UK moves to Israel after their wedding and officially make aliyah, or register with the government as toshavim keva (“permanent residents”). While in Israel, they have a son. Then the family moves back to the parents’ native country, and they have another son. What happens when these sons get older and want to learn in Israel? Are they subject to Israel’s draft?

These bochurim fall into a category colloquially known as “bnei mehagrim” (literally, “children of emigrants”), and the issues are complex. We spoke with Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, director of Eretz HaKodesh, and Rabbi Yoni Katz of the Igud of Yeshivos and Seminaries for Bnei Chul, to find out what parents have to know about their childrens’ status.

What Is a “Ben Mehagrim”?

It’s the child of a couple who either hold Israeli citizenship or were registered as toshavim keva. This child either:

1. a) was born outside of Israel and never resided there, or
2. b) left Israel before the age of 16 with his or her parents.

These individuals are entitled to visit Israel for up to a year, and then, after that period, for up to 120 days in a calendar year (from January to December). But if they remain in Israel after that time elapses, they are automatically subject to Israeli laws, the same as regular citizens.