For the first time ever, non-citizens will be able to do National Service in Israel
Source: Jerusalem Post
For the first time ever, Jews without Israeli citizenship will be able to do National Service (sherut leumi) thanks to new regulations passed on Monday by the Knesset's Labor, Welfare and Health Committee, headed by Likud MK Haim Katz.
The new regulations serve as pillars for the administration and execution of the giant network of volunteer-based jobs. Now, any Jew who is eligible for Aliyah based on the Law of Return, or is participating in any program relating to strengthening Israeli identities, like Masa or Taglit-Birthright Israel, has the option to serve.
They will be able to fill any National Service position for 12 months, as long as it is within Israel, just like any other Israeli completing their first year of sherut leumi. The changes will go into effect on September 1, 2021, marking the beginning of the next National Service year.
Reuven Pinsky, director of the Authority for National Civic Service emphasized that the goal of pushing forward these changes is to "encourage aliyah, and to tighten our connection with Diaspora Jewish communities."
Previously, only those with Israeli citizenship could apply for National Service positions. A Teudat Oleh is granted after one fulfills the legal requirements to make aliyah, as stipulated by various government bodies. For Jews, it relies on the Law of Return.
Read the entire article in the Jewish Post.