In Jerusalem, a city where ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities form dominant parts of the population and many of their members do not serve in the IDF, a new center has been inaugurated specifically for young immigrants serving in the reserves. The irony is difficult to miss: while ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrate against military enlistment almost every week, blocking roads and disrupting traffic, NIS 120 million has been invested in a building designed to support people who immigrated to Israel, enlisted and continue reporting for reserve duty.
The center was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 14, at 1 Raoul Wallenberg Street in Jerusalem, in the presence of Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, new immigrants and representatives of the organizations involved. It is expected to serve approximately 250 young immigrants each year, including university graduates and reservists.
What Will the New Reservists’ Center in Jerusalem Offer?
Around 130 new immigrants in their twenties will live in the building at any given time. Over two annual cycles, approximately 250 young people are expected to pass through the center and receive housing, classrooms, a Hebrew-language ulpan, social spaces, employment programs and community support.
The goal is to help the immigrants integrate into Jerusalem, find employment and build their lives in the city. The project is not merely a housing solution, but also an attempt to create a stable young community in the heart of a city that has struggled for years with the departure of young residents and wide gaps between its different population groups.
Why Does a Center for Reservists Stand Out Specifically in Jerusalem?
The choice of Jerusalem sharpens the debate over sharing the national burden. On one hand, the city seeks to attract young, educated and employed immigrants who serve in the military and the reserves. On the other, large parts of its population do not participate in military service, while noisy protests are held in some streets against the demand to enlist.
The center was established under the government program “Young Immigrants to Jerusalem,” intended to strengthen the city center and help new immigrants settle in the capital. The project is led by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, in partnership with the Jewish Agency, Qualita and Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer stated: “Young people who immigrated to Israel, serve in the reserves and contribute to Israeli society deserve support that will allow them to integrate, study, work and build their homes here.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion added: “In the heart of Jerusalem, we have created a home for them, together with strong community and employment support. This is a day of celebration for Jerusalem and Zionism.”
