What is a Ben Mehagrim?

Loosely translated, a ben mehagrim is the son of an Israeli citizen who now lives abroad. If the child himself lived outside Israel from before age 10 until after age 18, he may be eligible for an army deferment of between one and four years while studying in Israel. One who arrived in the country before age 18 may be eligible for a deferment from the army based on his status as a yeshiva student, if applicable.

Ben Mehagrim and Draft Deferment

Step One: Teudat Zehut

If the Israeli parent is the father, the parents' marriage must be registered with Israel; otherwise Misrad Hapnim will demand proof that the Israeli man is indeed the father of his child. If the father's marriage to the child's mother was not registered, the father must do so at the nearest Israeli embassy before the child can proceed.

Getting a Teudat Zehut as a Ben Mehagrim

Visit Misrad Hapnim with the following documents:

1. Original birth certificate (apostille)
2. Foreign passport
3. An original certification from the Israeli parent that confirms that (a) the child is his/hers and (b) he/she allows the child to become Israeli. To obtain this certification, the parent must go to the nearest Israeli embassy and explain what he/she needs. The certification must be stamped and sealed with a ribbon, and the original must be presented in Israel.

Misrad Hapnim will present the applicant with a teudat zehut.

Benefits of a Katin Chozer/Ezrach Oleh

Once a ben mehagrim obtains a teudat zehut, he may be eligible for certain benefits as a katin chozer or ezrach oleh, the child of Israelis living abroad who returns to Israel. Click here to learn more.

Step Two: Write a Letter to Lishkat Hagiyus

Chaim V'Chessed provides applicants for the ben mehagrim deferment with a sample letter that is acceptable to present to Lishkat Hagiyus. Fill in the letter with relevant details, then email it to meitav@idf.gov.il.   Include your name and phone number.

Step Three: Appear at Lishkat Hagiyus

After two to three weeks, the applicant will be contacted by Lishkat Hagiyus. He must then go in person to Lishkat Hagiyus and appear there with a copy of the same letter. Lishkat Hagiyus will file the draft deferment in their computers.  If possible, the applicant should request a physical document attesting to the deferment.  Bring that document along to any dealings with Israeli bureaucracy, including the airport. Make a copy of it for safekeeping.

Extending a Ben Mehagrim Deferment

If your deferment expires while you are in Israel, you may be able to extend it for up to four more years.  However, if your deferment expires while you are out of the country, you will be unable to renew it upon your return.  Please contact Chaim V'Chessed to learn more about settling in Israel beyond your ben mehagrim deferment.

Women and the Draft

Single girls who hold Israeli citizenship are not required to serve in the army if they are legitimately shomros Torah umitzvos. To receive a draft deferment, all that is required is a letter from a dayan certifying that the young woman is shomeres Torah umitzvos. Married women are completely exempt from the draft.

First, get the letter from the dayan. Go to the nearest Beit Din Rabbani with your passport and any other legal documents you have with you, and request the letter.

Next, bring the letter to Lishkat Hagiyus along with your passport or teudat zehat and legal documents. They will file the draft deferment in their computers.  If possible, the applicant should request a physical document attesting to the deferment.  Bring that document along to any dealings with Israeli bureaucracy, including the airport. Make a copy of it for safekeeping.

Office Information

Lishkat Hagiyus Jerusalem

Rechov Rashi 103, off Sarei Yisrael

Sunday - Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Phone Service: 03-738-8888, Sunday - Thursday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Beit Din Rabbani Givat Shaul

Rechov Am V'Olamo 4, off Kanfei Nesharim

Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am-1:30 pm

Fax: 02-623-2396