More than half the graduates of the previous course expressed a desire to continue their studies, with the goal of converting to Judaism.
The course, known as Netiv, is based on five themes: History of the Jewish People, Zionism and the State of Israel, Bible, Jewish Thought, and Jewish World activities. Most of the students are not Jewish, and the course prepares them for conversion, if they so desire.
The course that ended today was the largest in the IDF to date, with 370 soldiers receiving certificates. Although it is not yet known how many of them wish to continue for another four-month session preparing them for conversion, the previous course's numbers are indicative: Of the 319 graduates two months ago, more than half signed up for the conversion course, which is given in conjunction with the IDF Chief Rabbinate. The Netiv course is held five times a year in conjunction with the IDF and the Jewish Agency.
Most of the students are new immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, with others from Argentina, the U.S., Romania, Bulgaria, and Colombia. Jewish Agency head Salai Meridor and IDF Chief Education Officer Brig.-Gen. Ilan Harari took part in today's concluding ceremonies.
The Jewish Agency estimates that among the some 20,000 new immigrant soldiers in the IDF, about 40% are not Jewish according to Halakhah [Jewish Law]. Approximately 3,000 soldiers have taken or are taking the Netiv course.
The course, known as Netiv, is based on five themes: History of the Jewish People, Zionism and the State of Israel, Bible, Jewish Thought, and Jewish World activities. Most of the students are not Jewish, and the course prepares them for conversion, if they so desire.
The course that ended today was the largest in the IDF to date, with 370 soldiers receiving certificates. Although it is not yet known how many of them wish to continue for another four-month session preparing them for conversion, the previous course's numbers are indicative: Of the 319 graduates two months ago, more than half signed up for the conversion course, which is given in conjunction with the IDF Chief Rabbinate. The Netiv course is held five times a year in conjunction with the IDF and the Jewish Agency.
Most of the students are new immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, with others from Argentina, the U.S., Romania, Bulgaria, and Colombia. Jewish Agency head Salai Meridor and IDF Chief Education Officer Brig.-Gen. Ilan Harari took part in today's concluding ceremonies.
The Jewish Agency estimates that among the some 20,000 new immigrant soldiers in the IDF, about 40% are not Jewish according to Halakhah [Jewish Law]. Approximately 3,000 soldiers have taken or are taking the Netiv course.