Who They Are and Why It’s Important to Talk About Them
Every year, thousands of young men and women are drafted into the IDF as Lone Soldiers. The term “Lone Soldier” is familiar to many, but not everyone fully understands how unique and challenging this identity really is.
A Lone Soldier in Israel is a soldier serving mandatory service or short-term career service who does not have close, supportive family in the country. This means they do not have parents or relatives to provide a home for weekends, a supportive shoulder in hard times, or financial help when needed.
In Israeli society, where military service is a central part of young people’s lives, being a Lone Soldier adds an additional layer of difficulty. Alongside their demanding military missions and training, these soldiers must also face the struggles of living entirely independently – housing, income, bureaucracy, and most of all, loneliness.
Who Are Lone Soldiers?
The official IDF definition includes several main groups:
- New Immigrants (Olim Hadashim): Young men and women from around the world who choose to move to Israel and serve in the IDF, often motivated by Zionism and a desire to integrate into Israeli society. Many come without their parents – sometimes without any family at all – and must build a new life from scratch.
- Orphans: Soldiers who have lost their parents and have no close family to provide them with a warm home.
- Disconnected Soldiers: Those who, for various reasons, have cut ties with their families – due to deep disputes, emotional or financial estrangement, or sometimes difficult life circumstances.
According to the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers (FIDF), there are currently over 7,000 Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF. This number shows just how widespread the phenomenon is – and how important it is for society and the state to respond accordingly.
The Challenges Lone Soldiers Face
- Financial Struggles
Even with the additional stipends and grants Lone Soldiers receive, an army salary is far from enough to cover living expenses. Rent, bills, food, transportation, and unexpected costs make daily life very challenging. Many Lone Soldiers must work part-time jobs during their free hours, adding exhaustion and stress to an already demanding service. - Loneliness
While most soldiers go home on weekends to their parents, siblings, or childhood friends, Lone Soldiers often face quiet, empty weekends. For those who grew up in warm families, this can be especially painful. For new immigrants, loneliness is accompanied by cultural disconnection – struggling with Hebrew, unfamiliar holidays, and traditions that feel foreign. - Housing
Lone Soldiers can choose to live in IDF housing, in special apartments, or in private rentals. Each option comes with pros and cons: army housing is organized but less personal; renting an apartment provides independence but comes with heavy costs; host families provide warmth and support but require adjustment to a new framework. - Bureaucracy & Independence
They must navigate all aspects of life alone – opening bank accounts, signing rental contracts, paying bills, and dealing with Israeli systems that are complicated even for veteran citizens.
Why Lone Soldiers Are a Zionist Symbol
Beyond their personal struggles, Lone Soldiers represent values of sacrifice, Zionism, and devotion to the collective good.
- New immigrants who leave their homes and families to enlist in the IDF take an extraordinary step – giving up comfort for a sense of belonging to the Jewish people in Israel.
- Disconnected soldiers and orphans embody incredible strength. Despite hardships and losses, they put on the uniform, carry a weapon, and stand on the front lines.
They serve as a living example of how individuals can overcome obstacles and contribute meaningfully to society.
How Israeli Society Supports Lone Soldiers
- State Support: The IDF and Ministry of Defense provide a package of benefits – housing assistance, salary supplements, clothing allowances, special leave days, and more – aiming to reduce the gap between Lone Soldiers and those with supportive families.
- Nonprofits:
- FIDF – Provides financial aid and unique projects.
- Nefesh B’Nefesh – Helps new immigrants find housing, jobs, and community support.
- Host Families:
Many Israeli families open their homes to Lone Soldiers. For many, a host family becomes a real family – a place to come for Shabbat, enjoy warm food, and receive emotional support.
Why Raising Awareness Matters
A Lone Soldier should never feel truly alone. The more public awareness grows, the more citizens can take part in helping – through donations, volunteering, hosting, or even just reaching out personally.
Awareness also ensures that every Lone Soldier knows their rights, the organizations that can help them, and the opportunities available.
Lone Soldier? Not Anymore!
At Beit Eli, we provide Lone Soldiers with housing, hot meals, and social activities to make sure that every soldier has a sense of belonging and a warm home – even when far from family.
We also offer emotional support, counseling, and guidance throughout their military service. That way, they do not only receive food and shelter – they receive security, warmth, and a sense of family that gives them the strength to overcome the emotional and social challenges of military life.
