becoming an oleh

[dannyschachter]

I'm moving to Israel Sept. 1, and i just want to ask one final question.

Rafi, you said you joined the army as an oleh, which is completly different then mahal. What i've read on sites such as the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh, they say that if i were to make aliyah when i arrive in israel, that i would have to wait 12 months, before enlistment. but If i go through Mahal, all i need to do is be there 2.5 months in advance to get all the paper-work through.

Is there anyway to become an oleh, instead of changing my status the way Mahal requires, but still join the army through one of the drafts that mahal gives, such as Dec. 17?

or is this just wishful thinking...

[rafi]

Once you perform the incredible mitzvah of becoming of an Israeli citizen, you have no relationship nor potential to serve with MAHAL.

In other words, you will have to wait the approximately one year to go in. Which is actually a good thing , because you have a chance to learn the culture as well as the language. It will make your service infinitely easier.