Legacy of Light

How the story of the late Eli Kay became a warm home for hundreds of lone soldiers

When pain turns into giving

At the heart of the work for lone soldiers in Israel stands one story, painful but inspiring, which forms the cornerstone of the “Beit Eli” association. This is the story of the late Eliyahu (Eli) Kay, a lone soldier, new immigrant and paratrooper, who was murdered in a terrorist attack in the heart of Jerusalem.3 But this is not a story about death, but about life. About the ability to take a terrible tragedy and turn it into a work of kindness, which provides a home, family and hope to hundreds of other lone soldiers who follow his path.

Eli Kay: The Beautiful Face of Zionism

Eli immigrated to Israel from South Africa alone, driven by love of country and a deep sense of mission. He did not look for the easy way out. He enlisted in the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion, served as a fighter, and lived on Kibbutz Nirim on the Gaza border.4 His friends tell of a man who was a “beacon of light”, always smiling, always ready to help, always seeing the person in front of him. After his release, he continued to contribute to Israeli agriculture through the “New Home” organization, and chose to work as a guide at the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, out of a desire to connect people to the beating heart of the Jewish people.4 In the morning On November 21, 2021, on his way to the job he loved so much, his life was cut short by a terrorist.

Building a Home from the Fracture

After his murder, his family and friends decided that the best way to commemorate Eli was to continue his journey. Eli knew firsthand what it was like to be a lone soldier – the difficulty of returning to an empty home, the longing for family during the holidays, and the need for a warm hug. Thus, “Beit Eli” was born.

The vision of the house is simple yet powerful.

No single soldier is left alone. Beit Eli is much more than a housing solution. It is a holistic package that includes:

High-quality housing: furnished and equipped rooms that allow for true rest.

Supportive community: Shabbat meals, shared holidays and bonding activities that create a sense of family.

Personal accompaniment: Emotional support and bureaucratic assistance for each soldier, just as Eli would have wanted.