SOAS Research Online

Abstract

It is the purpose of this study to establish how the Army in Israel contributes to the National Integration of Jews who originated in the Middle East and in North Africa and who arrived in Israel en masse after the foundation of the State. To assess this contribution, three steps are followed: 1) The establishment of a methodology as an analytical tool to determine what is meant in Israel by National Integration and the nature of the political formula. 2) The description of three main branches of the Army apparatus, together with their activities, 3) The activities of the Army are evaluated in terms of the political formula in order to determine the direction and success of its contribution to the process of National Integration. The findings of this study show that no soldier is allowed to leave the Army without proficiency and literacy in the Hebrew language, elementary education and some form of vocational training. The IDF ensures that the discharged soldier can earn his living and become a useful member of the society. Recruits are made aware not only of their rights in a democratic society, but also of their obligations towards that society. A strong identification with the land together with knowledge of the land and its history are imparted to all soldiers, both academically and empirically. On the other hand, the IDF's contribution in the areas of education and economic specialization have not been sufficient to integrate Orientals with Ashkenazim, The progress of National Integration has been hindered by the exclusion from the Army of "uneducated" women, the majority of whom are Oriental; by the Army's lack of contribution to ecological dispersion, and by its lack of receptivity to the Oriental's culture and beliefs.