Lone soldier

Lone soldiers from across the world serve in the Israel Defense Forces alongside locally born regulars. In the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a lone soldier ( , Hayal Boded ) is defined as a serviceman or woman without parents in Israel. Lone soldiers serve in regular units and receive various forms of support from the IDF, Israeli government ministries and other organizations. Their exact number fluctuates over time, but is consistently in the thousands; the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported in April 2012 that there were an "estimated 5,000". About 40% of them serve in combat units. They are generally either overseas Jews volunteering under the Mahal or Tzofim Garin Tzabar programmes, or recently arrived olim chadashim (Jewish immigrants), although other possibilities exist (e.g. orphaned natives). According to an IDF spokeswoman, 8,217 foreign-born personnel enlisted between 2009 and August 2012. The most represented countries of origin were Russia and the United States, with 1,685 and 1,661 recruits respectively. Lone soldiers receive a higher basic salary from the IDF, as well as financial assistance from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Ministry of Housing and Construction . They are also given help with housing, and the right to extra time off, including 30 days per year to visit family overseas. Organizations that help lone soldiers include the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin , The Benji Hillman Foundation which offers housing and guidance for lone soldiers in Ra'anana, The FIDF/NBN Lone Soldiers Program , The Jewish Agency for Israel the J.A., which traditionally offered support and Chayal el Chayal. The Lone Soldier Center, which is open 24 hours a day, assists lone soldiers and their families overseas, provides meals on the Jewish Sabbath ( Shabbat ) and Jewish holidays, gives lone soldiers educational and social opportunities, and, where needed, helps them find adoptive families in Israel. The FIDF/NBN provides solutions caring for all olim and lone soldiers at all stages of the process: prior to Aliyah, prior to being drafted, throughout military service and after release from the IDF (when adjusting to a civilian life in Israel). Chayal el Chayal offers an at home environment for pre, present and post army lone soldiers. They provide lodging, Shabbat & Holiday meals, equipment and care packages, spiritual guidance including religious items like prayerbooks and shawls. Where a soldier's parents live in Israel, but he or she is not in contact with them, it is possible for him or her to be designated an "irregular" lone soldier. In early 2011, The Jerusalem Post reported that about 46% of the approximately 5,000 lone soldiers in the military at that time had family in Israel, but were estranged from them. An IDF adviser to lone soldiers told Arutz Sheva in 2012 that most of these were youths from Haredi religious backgrounds, shunned by their families for joining the army. Irregular lone soldier status can also be given if both of an IDF soldier's parents are working abroad for the Israeli government. If a soldier marries while serving in the IDF, he or she loses lone soldier status. A lone soldier's benefits are also at risk if his or her parents themselves move to Israel.

Soldier without immediate family in Israel A soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF's ranks include "lone soldiers" from across the world. A lone soldier ( , Ḥayal Boded ) is a member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who does not have support in Israel, either because they do not have immediate family in Israel or they estranged from their family in Israel. Lone soldiers serve in regular IDF units, including combat units, and receive special entitlements from the IDF, Israeli government ministries, and charity organizations, such as increased salaries, housing assistance, and additional leave. As of June 2022, there were approximately 7,000 lone soldiers from over 60 countries.

Soldier without immediate family in Israel A soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF's ranks include "lone soldiers" from across the world. A lone soldier ( Hebrew : חַיָּל בּוֹדֵד , Ḥayal Boded ) is a member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who does not have support in Israel, either because they do not have immediate family in Israel or they are estranged from their family in Israel. Lone soldiers serve in regular IDF units, including combat units, and receive special entitlements from the IDF, Israeli government ministries, and charity organizations, such as increased salaries, housing assistance, and additional leave. As of June 2022, there were approximately 7,000 lone soldiers from over 60 countries.