Two hundred and ninety-eight children of Israelis living in the U.S., Europe, and Hong Kong, arrived in Israel over the weekend for military service in the Israel Defense Forces. The youths, who are interested in living in Israel after their full service in the IDF, will be housed in 11 kibbutzim throughout the country which agreed to host them during their service. The youngsters arrived in Israel as part of the Garin Tzabar program which facilitates service in the IDF for children of Israelis and other Jews not living in Israel. The program was originally formed to support soldiers who come to Israel to serve in the IDF but have no immediate family in the country (known as "lone soldiers"). Until their military service begins in November, the youths will undergo a series of tests to determine in which units they will serve. They will also learn about the kibbutz way of life, study Hebrew in ulpans (Hebrew language classes), and take organized trips around the country to get to know the land. The kibbutzim hosting the youths are: Geva, Hazore'a, Deganya Alef, Sa'ad, Lavi, Sha'ar Hagolan, Yiftach, Hanita, Dan, Magen and Regba. In 2010, 235 youths of the Garin Tzabar program arrived in Israel for their army service. The program, which was founded 20 years ago, is sponsored by Israel's national youth scouts' organization, known as Tzofim. The Immigrant Absorption Ministry, the Jewish Agency, the Kibbutz Movement, Tzofim, the Defense Ministry, and the IDF all provide funds and logistical support for the program. Participants include children of Israeli parents and other Jews living outside of Israel, who are between the ages of 18 and 23, and who wish to live in Israel after completing their service in the IDF. Kibbutz Movement General-Secretary Zeev Shor said several kibbutzim enthusiastically support the Zionist Garin Tzabar project every year.
