What is a Ben Mehager?
The army defines a Ben Mehager as an Israeli citizen whose parents reside abroad. In most cases, a Ben Mehager would make Aliyah with the status of Ezrach Oleh or Katin Chozer, although there are people who left Israel between the ages of 14 and 16 who would not be eligible for Aliyah (the Jewish Agency for Israel would give them the status of Returning Resident) but will be considered Bnei Mehagrim by the army.
Regardless of whether or not a Ben Mehager makes Aliyah, the army can and will draft them if they lose their Status Hul. In order to maintain Status Hul, the following criteria must be met:
- Parents must be in Israel no more than 180 days in a calendar year.
- Ben Mehager must be in Israel no more than 120 days in a calendar year.
If you have any questions about Status Hul, email lspen@nbn.org.il
Shnat Shehiya
A Ben Mehager is granted a one-time Shnat Shehiya. This is defined as a visit to Israel for a duration of 121–365 days. Prior to using a Shnat Shehiya, a Ben Mehager must be outside of Israel for 60 days, and they must stay out of Israel for the 60 days following their year. This is in order to create a clear distinction between visits to Israel.
Age of Arrival
Length of Service for Olim is determined by their Age of Arrival. Please note that a person’s Age of Arrival (their age on the date that they began a significant stay in Israel) is not necessarily their age on the date that they made Aliyah or when they lose their Status Hul. Age of Arrival is determined by the Ben Mehager’s entries and exits to Israel, as well as the length of stay of each visit.
To obtain this information, you may request a Berur Pratim L’Noseya (בירור פרטים לנוסע) from the Israel Ministry of Interior, which provides a record of your entries to and exits from Israel.
Guidelines for Determining Age of Arrival
- If the Ben Mehager has not spent significant time in Israel (120 consecutive days in a calendar year), Age of Arrival is considered from their Aliyah date. If you have questions about your status, email lspen@nbn.org.il.
- If the Ben Mehager participated in a one-year program recognized by the Jewish Agency for Israel as a MASA program and then left Israel for at least 12 months, the army will consider their Age of Arrival from the time of their return.
- During this 12-month period outside Israel, they may visit Israel for up to 120 days per calendar year, provided at least 60 days have passed since the end of the program before beginning those visits.
- Example: If the program ended on June 30, 2017, the 12-month period would end on June 30, 2018. The Ben Mehager could begin visiting Israel for up to 120 days starting September 1, 2017.
- For further clarification, please contact the Meitav representative in New York at Meitav@newyork.mfa.gov.il or 212-499-5314, or visit the official IDF website.
Length of Service
Length of service is determined according to:
- Age of Arrival
- Family status (single, married, or married with children) at the time of enlistment
- Military role and placement
Male Soldiers
| Family Status | Age of Arrival | Length of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Married with children | 18–27 | Minimum 24 months |
| Married without children | 18–27 | Determined according to military role and placement |
| Single | 18–27 | Determined according to military role and placement |
| Any status | 28+ | Exempt / Not eligible for volunteer service |
Female Soldiers
| Family Status | Age of Arrival | Length of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Single women | Under age 20 | 24 months |
| Single women who used their Shnat Shehiya | Until age 21 | 24 months |
| Married women | Any age | Automatic exemption |
Single females who serve in combat and other specific jobs will be required to serve a full service of 32 months.
Family status (single, married or married with children) is determined at the time of enlistment.
Please note that some positions will require a commitment to a full army service, and occasionally longer.
Bnei Mehagrim: Women & Physicians
Women
Single women, until the age of 20, are required to serve for 24 months.
If you used your Shnat Shehiya, you are required to serve for 24 months until the age of 21.
- Religious women can receive a Ptur (exemption). Click here to the exemption process.
- Married women receive an automatic exemption from IDF service.
- There is no requirement for women to complete Sherut Leumi instead of military service. Click here to the Sherut Leumi information page.
Doctors and Dentists (Male)
For information about army service, please see Army Service for Physicians.
Academic Study Permission
A Ben Mehager who left Israel with their parents before the age of 10 may receive permission to pursue academic studies in Israel.
The following conditions apply:
- Academic Study Permission may be granted for up to four years.
- The period may not begin before the age of 17.
- A Ben Mehager is not eligible if they have already used their Shnat Shehiya, unless it was completed as a MASA program.
- It is possible to connect a MASA Shnat Shehiya directly to the four-year Academic Study Permission.
- To reset the Age of Arrival after completing the Academic Study Permission period, the Ben Mehager must remain outside Israel for two years. During those two years, visits to Israel are limited to either 120 consecutive days or 180 cumulative days.
Questions?
Please Contact lspen@nbn.org.il