Unlocking Educational Opportunities – Ben Mehagrim Yeshiva Studies
Who Qualifies as Ben Mehagrim (Child of Immigrants)?
Ben Mehagrim, refers to individuals holding Israeli citizenship who migrated with their parents from Israel to another country before turning 16. These individuals are considered potential candidates for compulsory military service (IDF), but can follow a specific procedure to secure an exemption from IDF service while the remain abroad. Many Ben Mehagrim aspire to come to Israel for higher education in yeshivas (religious schools) or universities without being classified as immigrant youth eligible for IDF exemption, which could impact their status.
It’s crucial to note that in any case, Ben Mehagrim must report to the draft office in Israel or the consulate of the country in which they reside by the age of 16 to formalize their status.
Under What Conditions Can Ben Mehagrim Pursue Yeshiva Studies?
Bnei Mehagrim can pursue studies in yeshivas as “Children of Immigrants” in Israel under the following conditions:
- Their parents do not reside in Israel. If one of their parents is living in Israel, they must prove that they are in the custody of the other parent.
- They begin their yeshiva studies at the age of 17 or later.
- They emigrated with their parents abroad before turning 10 years old.
- They have not been present in Israel as part of a “Year of Residence” unless they participated in a recognized program by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
- Their primary place of residence is not in Israel.
- They have been accepted into a recognized institution by the yeshiva committee.
If a Ben Mehagrim meet all of these conditions, they must submit a document from the yeshiva stating the start and end dates of their study program before commencing their studies. If they plan to study in a yeshiva for more than one year, they will need to appear before the draft board or provide updated confirmation for each additional year of study. Yeshiva studies are allowed for up to a maximum of 4 years, after which the candidate will need to leave Israel or change their status as Ben Mehagrim.
What Should Ben Mehagrim Do Upon Reaching the Exemption Age During Their Yeshiva Studies?
If a Ben Mehagrim reach the age of 26, which is the age of exemption from IDF service, during their yeshiva studies, they must return to their country of residence for a period of two years after completing their yeshiva studies. During these two years, they can visit Israel for up to 120 days per year, after which they may receive an exemption from military service.
It’s essential to know that if Ben Mehagrim wish to change their status to that of a yeshiva student, they can only do so if they have not exceeded the allowable stay period granted to immigrant youth.
In any case, it is advisable to consult with a legal expert well-versed in immigration and military law to initiate the application process and submit the required documents promptly. Unnecessary delays or non-compliance with regulations may jeopardize their status and result in compulsory military service.
Is a Ben Mehagrim Who Completed Short IDF Service Obligated to Full Service Upon Returning to Israel?
Yes. If a child of immigrants has completed a short 18-month military service in the IDF and returns to Israel to study in a yeshiva without meeting the criteria mentioned in this article, they will be required to fulfill full military service. This situation can arise if they stayed in Israel without the appropriate authorization or returned to Israel within the two years following the completion of their yeshiva studies beyond the allowable period.
Our law firm in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, specializes in immigration and military law. We possess extensive experience and expertise in facilitating the status of Ben Mehagrim seeking higher education in Israel. We are here to assist you in navigating these complex legal processes effectively.
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:מאמרים מומלצים