The History of MAHAL: Then & Now

 

Mahal 2000

 

The Mahal 2000 Association (R.A) was established in 1998, in order to connect volunteers from abroad with the relevant institutions towards their enlisting, and support them throughout their service. For more than a decade the Mahal 2000 Association escorted hundreds of young volunteers coming to serve in the IDF.

In joining the program run by MAHAL 2000 you will become part of a family with a long history going back to 1948, when the state of Israel was established. Back then, 3500 Zionist Jews from 43 countries around the world joined the forces fighting to protect the newly established Jewish state during its War of Independence. These people were called "overseas volunteers", or in the Hebrew initials MACHAL, and their organization was MACHAL 1948. Most of the volunteers were veterans of the Second World War, whose expertise and military skills played a crucial part in forming Israel's defense units, later to become the Israel Defense Forces, IDF.

 

Our new initiative, Mahal in a Tel-Aviv Journey, consists of a 5 months pre-military program which helps you broaden and enrich your knowledge of Hebrew, Zionism, Judaism and the State of Israel, while getting to know interesting people across the country.

 

By participating in the MAHAL 2000 program you will carry on the tradition of the 1948 volunteers, and walk in the footsteps of MACHAL members from 1948 until these days. You will also play a part in raising the awareness of motivation, contribution and volunteering to the IDF and to the State of Israel among Israeli-born and non-Israeli born Jews all over the world.

 

The MAHAL 2000 program has been recognized by MASA organization. The MASA program is operated by the Prime Minister's Office and the Jewish Agency. During the 5 months of the program the people of MAHAL in a Tel Aviv Journey will walk you through the bureaucracy towards your enlistment into service. Our team will also be there for you and all other volunteers throughout your service, and will act as your support system.