Israel: Update to ISR14594.E of 24 June 1993 on whether individuals from the former Soviet Union who immigrate to Israel are provided information on military service and reserve duty prior to, and upon, arrival (2003-April 2005)
Information on whether individuals from the former Soviet Union who immigrate to Israel are provided with information on military service and reserve duty prior to, and upon, arrival was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Website provides Portable Document Format (PDF) links to Russian and Hebrew copies of an information booklet that "explains the general rules governing the conscription of new immigrants according to age and family status." (Israel n.d.a.). In particular, the booklet outlines military service topics of interest to immigrants, such as registration procedures, types of military service, advice for conscripts, expectations of new recruits, and assistance programs (ibid.).
In addition, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Website summarizes information about assistance available for immigrant soldiers, including a specialized Unit for Immigrant Soldiers responsible for, among other things, "assistance in the integration of the immigrant soldiers into the I.D.F. (Israel Defence Force)," assistance for married soldiers, additional benefits, eligibility extension, and assistance for soldiers released from military service (Israel n.d.b.). For details about assistance offered to immigrant soldiers, please consult the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Website at: <http://www.moia.gov.il/english/army/army1.htm>.
On its Website, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), an organization that seeks to, among other things, facilitate immigration and the "initial absorption of new immigrants" to Israel (n.d.a.), provides information aimed at preparing new immigrants for their move to Israel (6 Apr. 2005), including military service obligations (JAFI 10 Oct. 2004). The JAFI Website also lists a number of overseas offices in former Soviet Union countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine (n.d.b.). In addition, the JAFI maintains offices in municipalities across Israel (n.d.c.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Israel. n.d.a. Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. "Basic Informational Booklets." <http://www.moia.gov.il/english/publication/basic.htm> [Accessed 19 Apr. 2005]
____. n.d.b. Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. "Army Service." <http://www.moia.gov.il/english/army/army1.htm> [Accessed 19 Apr. 2005]
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). 6 April 2005. "Aliyah, Rescue, and Initial Absorption." <http://www.jafi.org.il/aliyah1/> [Accessed 20 Apr. 2005]
____. 10 October 2004. "Army Service." <http://www.jafi.org.il/aliyah/english/article.aspx?id=630> [Accessed 19 Apr. 2005]
____. n.d.a. "About the Jewish Agency for Israel." <http://www.jafi.org.il/about/> [Accessed 19 Apr. 2005]
____. n.d.b. "Aliyah Centers and Emissaries Abroad." <http://www.jafi.org.il/aliyah/english/cat.aspx?cid=56> [Accessed 20 Apr. 2005]
____. n.d.c. "Aliyah Information Centers." <http://www.jafi.org.il/aliyah/english/article.aspx?id=411> [Accessed 20 Apr. 2005]
Additional Sources Consulted
Two oral sources did not respond within time constraints
Internet: Center on Conscience & War, Country Reports 2004, Embassy of Israel - Ottawa, Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Jerusalem Post, Jewish Peace Fellowship, New Profile, Refuser Solidarity Network.