Why Mechinot
The Israel Defense Forces is considered the “great equalizer” in Israeli society. Military service is a rite of passage that provides an entry ticket into Israeli society. Service in elite units is almost certainly a key to future success and a springboard for social mobility. Yet, youth from Israel’s social and geographic periphery are underrepresented in the IDF and are typically placed in low-level positions. They do not get the opportunity to have an army experience that can be a springboard for social mobility and make connections that could benefit them in the future.
(Photo by David Salem for The Jewish Agency for Israel)