Many French Jews see service as both a personal mission and a way to strengthen ties between Israel and the diaspora.
By Hezy Laing
French Jews are increasingly joining elite IDF training programs, reflecting both their commitment to Israel and the army’s need for highly motivated recruits.
Over the past decade, hundreds of young French Jews have made aliyah and entered the IDF through programs like Mahal and Garin Tzabar.
Many aim for elite combat units such as the Golani Brigade, Paratroopers, Egoz and Sayeret Matkal.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack accelerated this trend, with dozens of French high school graduates arriving in Israel to attend pre‑army academies.
These academies focus on Hebrew immersion, physical conditioning, and cultural integration, preparing recruits for the rigors of elite service.
Welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport with flags and music, nearly 90 young men and women from France and other European countries recently traveled directly to the Gur Aryeh pre‑military program in Ashdod, designed for French‑speaking youth.
The academy provides Hebrew immersion, Zionist education, physical training, and cultural integration, helping them transition into Israeli society.
Many left behind families and comfortable lives in France, driven by a shared mission to serve as lone soldiers in Israel’s defense forces.
The IDF increasingly views diaspora Jews as an important source of manpower.
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, has become a major source of recruits.
Many French Jews see service as both a personal mission and a way to strengthen ties between Israel and the diaspora.
Their participation has helped fill critical roles in combat and intelligence units, while also inspiring Jewish communities abroad.
Here are a few examples:
David Cohen (Golani Brigade) David Cohen, 19, from Paris, joined the Golani Brigade after completing the Ashdod pre‑army academy.
Despite language barriers, he excelled in navigation and urban combat training.
His unit deployed to Gaza in 2024, where he served as a squad leader, earning praise for his resilience and leadership under fire.
Jonathan Benhamou (Intelligence Corps) Jonathan Benhamou, 21, from Marseille, was recruited into Unit 8200, Israel’s elite signals intelligence corps.
With a background in computer science, he quickly adapted to cyber defense operations.
His work focused on intercepting communications from hostile groups, and he later helped train new recruits from Europe, strengthening the IDF’s technological edge.
Eliyahu Rosen (Sayeret Matkal Candidate) Eliyahu Rosen, 22, from Strasbourg, pursued one of the IDF’s most elite paths: Sayeret Matkal, the special reconnaissance unit.
His journey began at a pre‑army academy in Jerusalem, where he excelled in endurance and navigation.
Though the selection process was grueling, Eliyahu advanced through multiple stages, including survival exercises and psychological testing.
His determination symbolized the commitment of diaspora Jews to Israel’s most demanding military roles.
These stories highlight the diversity of French Jewish recruits—some serving in frontline combat units, others in elite special forces or medical roles.
Together, they reflect how diaspora volunteers strengthen the IDF while deepening their personal connection to Israel.
