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‘We're lone soldiers, but we're not lonely’: How the IDF supports fighters without families

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Lone Soldier Center in the IDF supports approximately 8,000 soldiers serving without family in Israel, including new immigrants, orphans, and those estranged from their families.
  • The center provides emotional, financial, and practical support, answering up to 10,000 calls monthly, and has seen a significant increase in volunteers since October 7.
  • Lone soldiers are seen as a source of inspiration and strength for the Israeli nation, embodying Zionism through their service and desire to protect the country.

Thousands of young men and women serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) each year without family support in the country, a gap filled by the Lone Soldier Center in the IDF. The center's representative, R., explained that around 8,000 "lone soldiers" require assistance with their emotional, financial, and practical needs. These soldiers are often new immigrants, orphans, or have strained family relationships.

Olim (immigrant) soldiers who come from abroad to Israel do it purely out of a sense of Zionism and because they really want to take part in helping Israel and helping the IDF.

— R.The representative from the Lone Soldier Center explained the motivation behind immigrant soldiers' service.

The center is particularly committed to supporting soldiers who volunteer for service out of a deep love for Israel and a desire to ensure its safety. R. noted a significant surge in volunteers since the October 7 attacks, with many seeking to make impactful contributions. The center's Mashakit Tash, or army social workers, handle up to 10,000 calls each month from lone soldiers, including those not yet enlisted.

I’ve seen it throughout the years, but since October 7, we’ve seen a huge increase in volunteering, with soldiers who really want to do impactful things and are doing impactful things.

— R.The representative highlighted the rise in volunteers following the October 7 attacks.

Despite the extensive resources dedicated to lone soldiers, including housing, financial aid, and mental health services, R. emphasized the profound value these soldiers bring. She believes they inspire others within the IDF and the broader Israeli population, representing a pure form of Zionism and dedication to their people. The public's affection for lone soldiers is evident through honoring events and a strong desire to show them respect.

I can see that they bring so much power to our people. We see it. I think that all of these soldiers who are serving with lone soldiers get so much inspiration from them, because this is truly Zionism. This is truly about helping our people. I think the IDF gets so much inspiration from them, and also the entire Israeli nation.

— R.The representative described the inspirational impact of lone soldiers on the IDF and Israeli society.

The support extends beyond their military service, offering assistance with housing, navigating bureaucracy, medical needs, and programs for transitioning back to civilian life. The Lone Soldier Center aims to ensure these individuals, who have made significant sacrifices for Israel, feel supported and valued throughout their service and beyond.

We’ve seen this through what we do at the Lone Soldier Center in the IDF. We hold honoring events specifically for lone soldiers, and we see the amount of love they receive. The people of Israel love lone soldiers; they want to give them the honor they deserve.

— R.The representative spoke about the public's appreciation for lone soldiers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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