A Home and Family for Lone Soldiers from Charedi Backgrounds

The organization Ossei Chayil plays a vital role in Israeli society by supporting Lone Soldiers who either made Aliyah to Israel or chose to enlist in the IDF — sometimes facing rejection or even disconnection from their families.

Ossei Chayil ensures these soldiers are not left alone. They are given housing, community, warmth, and a supportive environment that allows them not only to persist in their military service but also to grow on a personal level.

What Does Ossei Chayil Do?

Ossei Chayil provides group housing for Lone Soldiers from Charedi or religious backgrounds who serve, or have served, in the IDF. Apartments are run in areas like Safed and Kiryat Arba, offering both stability and care.

But the support goes well beyond the military framework. The organization provides:

• Food and clothing.
• Household essentials.
• Visits to bases.
• Help with social integration.

Ossei Chayil operates with the understanding that a Lone Soldier from a Charedi background, enlisting without family support, may face unique social, emotional, and psychological challenges. This is why the help offered is broad, holistic, and not limited to military needs.

Why Is This So Important?

Lone Soldiers are never “just soldiers.” Those from religious or Charedi homes often face especially complex circumstances:

• Separation from their families and familiar communities.
• Social, emotional, and sometimes financial burdens.
• The challenge of balancing demanding military service with personal values and identity.

Ossei Chayil fills this critical gap by creating a framework that feels like home — complementing what the army itself cannot always provide.

The Social and Community Value

The organization allows Lone Soldiers to feel a sense of belonging, to be part of a supportive community, and to receive warmth and care. This is not only what enables them to stay in the army, it is also what helps them grow, mature, and build a personal identity.

Ossei Chayil shows that military service is not just a technical duty. It is also a social and value-driven journey, deeply connected to community and identity.

Challenges and the Path to Solutions

Even with its impressive work, Ossei Chayil faces challenges:

• The number of Lone Soldiers from Charedi backgrounds continues to grow, increasing demand.
• Limited resources for apartments, community life, and personal mentoring.
• Ensuring continued support even after discharge, so that soldiers are not left without guidance as they transition to civilian life.

Ossei Chayil addresses these challenges through a strong community network, dedicated housing infrastructure, and tailored guidance systems.

Conclusion

Ossei Chayil is a shining example of how civil society can step up to support Lone Soldiers — especially those serving under tough conditions while coming from backgrounds that don’t always provide a “warm home” during Shabbat, holidays, or times of crisis.

By connecting demanding military service with the values of family, community, and identity, Ossei Chayil transforms the label of a “a lone soldier” into a “soldier who belongs.”