From “Beit HaChayal” to Private Apartments: The Comprehensive Guide to Housing Solutions for Lone Soldiers
The Dilemma: Independence vs. Comfort Coming home after 21 days on base only to find an empty fridge or a plumbing leak is not an experience a combat soldier should go through. Choosing where to live is critical for a smooth service. In Israel, there are several housing models for lone soldiers, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s make sense of it.
Comparison of Housing Solutions for Lone Soldiers
| Housing Solution | Who is it for? | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beit Eli | Soldiers looking for family and community. | Furnished rooms, hot meals, laundry, emotional support, holiday & Sabbath atmosphere. | Limited number of spots (reservation recommended). | Located in Rishon LeZion, accessible to central Israel. |
| Beit HaChayal | Soldiers needing an available and immediate solution. | Wide national coverage, no complex rental contracts required. | Institutional atmosphere, less privacy, basic conditions. | Operated by the Association for Israel’s Soldiers (ALH). |
| ALH Apartments (Partner Apts) | Soldiers who want to live with other soldiers. | Apartments within the community, more independence than Beit HaChayal. | Requires some household management (shared cleaning). | Supervised by the Association for Israel’s Soldiers. |
| Private Rented Apartment | Soldiers seeking full independence. | Absolute freedom, choice of roommates and location. | Bureaucracy (contracts, bills), need for furniture, potential loneliness. | Eligible for rent assistance (approx. 1,800 NIS). |
| Kibbutzim | Soldiers seeking peace and a rural community. | Adoptive family from the kibbutz, laundry services, and dining hall. | Sometimes far from entertainment centers, dependent on public transport. | Highly suitable for lone soldiers who are new immigrants (Garin Tzabar). |
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Why Choose “Beit Eli”? “Beit Eli” was established to bridge the gap between the institutional feel of Beit HaChayal and the loneliness of a private apartment. With us, you are not a “tenant” but a member of the family. There’s no need to worry about grocery shopping, paying the electricity bill, or fixing the water heater. Everything is taken care of, including pampering Friday night dinners and social activities, so you can focus on one thing – your service and your rest.
How to Register? Demand for housing at Beit Eli is high. It is recommended to contact us through the website or WhatsApp during the pre-enlistment stages or immediately upon being recognized as a lone soldier, to reserve your spot in the warmest home in Israel.
