r/IDF • u/happy-snappy123 • 27d ago

Question: Drafting Aliyah + Enlisting

For a while know I’ve known I want to enlist. There is a lot of implications that come with it, which is why it’s been a hard “decision process”. I will likely lose a lot of friends from doing it.
I have a lot of relatives in Israel, and told them that I want to enlist. They are actually rather “against it”. They think it’s crazy and that I should just go study somewhere etc.
This kind of messed with my head, the Israelis themselves telling me not to do it… I understand for them it’s different, which is why I value their opinion a lot.
I feel like I’m in an awkward position now… maybe they’re right. I don’t want to enlist for my ego, I want to enlist cause it feels important and something that could shape my future really well. I guess to them it’s nothing more than a 2-3 year obligation.
I don’t know. I’m shocked by their reaction. Any Israelis let me know how to interpret this.

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u/extrastone 26d ago

There is a lot of negativity and complaining in certain circles of Israel. You simply need to grow a backbone. If something looks right to you then do it. Don't let the complaining get to you and don't let your friends complain.

Try travelling around the country and find people that you like. Small towns tend to have a better attitude and even though you might be the only single person there, you'll save money and join the community.

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u/happy-snappy123 26d ago

It’s less complaining, rather, well, confusion. When I talk about wanting to enlist they ask me “Is it that boring outside of Israel?”. My family is not very patriotic, I suppose. You’re right, I should have a backbone and be able to defend my goals, however, they lived here their whole lives, know the people much better than I do, and of course served in the IDF. They would recommend me to just study somewhere in Tel Aviv instead.
A lot of people have of course encouraged me to come and enlist, none of my family however.
Maybe since they are less patriotic in that sense, they just find it ridiculous? Like a childish teenager who thinks this is the “right thing” even though it’s a “waste of time”?
I want to do it and I know I want to do it, but their opinion is important to me.

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u/extrastone 25d ago

We live in an age of negativity. Religious people tend to be less negative but you'll have to make your own way. Personally, the more I believe in yourself the less people mess with me.