The Mossad, Israel’s renowned intelligence agency, has embarked on an unprecedented public recruitment initiative aimed specifically at young women engaging in national service. This civilian alternative to military service is primarily designed for individuals exempt from conscripting into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Known in Hebrew as “sherut leumi,” national service is frequently undertaken by religious Jewish women, as well as other exempt citizens who voluntarily dedicate one to two years to serving in hospitals, educational institutions, welfare organizations, or emergency services. While the majority of participants are female, there is also a small representation of male volunteers.
For over twenty years, the Mossad has discreetly integrated a national service pathway into its operational framework. What began as a modest pilot program, enlisting just a handful of women annually, has expanded significantly as the agency recognized the multifaceted benefits of this initiative for both the participants and itself.
Currently, the agency recruits dozens of national service volunteers each year, with projections indicating a potential 20% increase by 2026. The candidates are selected through a comprehensive screening process, and the chosen individuals are assigned to various roles that encompass technology, digital operations, intelligence collection, and administrative duties.
The two-year volunteer program provides participants with invaluable experience in the heart of Israel’s intelligence operations. Many of these volunteers opt to continue working with Mossad post-service, leading to some securing permanent positions within the agency’s highly secretive environment.
