Approximately 300 young Jews from 34 countries are expected to immigrate to Israel this summer and enlist in the IDF as lone soldiers through the Garin Tzabar program of the World Scouting Movement, according to polling data released by the program on Monday.
Participants come from various countries, with the US leading with 175 recruits this year, followed by Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, India, and others.
The program’s data also reveals that many participants choose to remain in Israel after completing their military service. Some 85% remain in the country and establish their homes there, while around 30% of their families later immigrate to Israel as well.
Moreover, the data report also showed noticeable changes in the profile of those joining the program.
Since 2022, the proportion of religious young people participating in Garin Tzabar has increased by 85%, and the overall number of participants has grown by 2.5 times.
Notably, there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of participants from France, while the population of older participants – many of whom have academic qualifications – has grown by 65% since October 7.
As part of the program, Garin Tzabar participants also engage in volunteer activities across the country before enlisting in the IDF. Since the outbreak of war, they have worked in agriculture in communities along the confrontation lines in northern and southern Israel, packed food and equipment for soldiers, and assisted the local communities where they have settled.
Integrating Torah study with military service
New this year, Garin Tzabar, in collaboration with Midreshet Lindenbaum, will launch the second class of Garin Tzabar Torani, which aims to integrate religious education with military service.
The new program plans to bring 12 religious young women from the United States to immigrate to Israel, which is double the number who participated in the previous year.
The program is set to combine Torah study with values-based and spiritual preparation for military service, along with personal and community support before enlistment and throughout their service.
Over its 35 years of operation, Tzofim Garin Tzabar has supported more than 8,000 immigrant lone soldiers. Today, more than 1,500 soldiers serve through the program across Israel.
According to program data, the number of participants has increased by 33% since October 7. By the end of 2026, approximately 550 new immigrants are expected to join the program.
‘Responsibility, Zionism, and a desire to contribute’
A program participant from Chicago shared: “The year I spent in Israel further strengthened my Jewish identity and my sense of mission, and made it clear to me that this is the place where I want to build my future.”
“The decision to immigrate to Israel and enlist in the IDF through Garin Tzabar comes from a sense of responsibility, Zionism, and a desire to contribute, and I am setting out on this path knowing that the challenges and difficulties are also part of the growth and meaning of the service,” he added.
Raz Perl, chairman of the Scouts Movement, said that the new immigrants’ choice to enlist was brave and selfless.
“At a time when Israeli society is dealing with complex questions of shared responsibility and contribution to the country, the choice of these young men and women to immigrate, enlist, and serve is a profound expression of commitment and mutual responsibility. Our role is to make sure that none of them makes this journey alone.”
