IDF & National Service

Previously, young adults with disabilities were simply exempt from national service requirements, rendering them outsiders. Understanding that our differences don’t divide us – they bind us, AKIM took action to eliminate this cultural shortcoming and create equality in service. AKIM advocated to advance the desires of these young adults for: inclusion, not exemption.

The program has become a catalyst for change along all planes of Israeli culture, advancing AKIM’s mission to create an “equal in everything” society. By virtue of shared experience, serving shoulder to shoulder, service members with and without disabilities bond over their likenesses and learn about their differences. EIU members illuminate the challenges for those living with disabilities while simultaneously highlighting their capacity to overcome them.

Togetherness in service, creates togetherness in life. Unit members serve and grow together, becoming more sensitive empathic adults – ultimately fostering inclusiveness and tolerance in Israeli society. Nearly two decades since its inception, our alumni have graduated with strengthened national and personal pride, marketable technical skills, a sense of confidence and acceptance amongst their peers.