While serving as a Lone Soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling, it can leave these young men and women with little free time to tend to their personal errands.
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For these soldiers, thousands of miles away from their families and homes and with no immediate family in Israel, knowing what rights they are entitled to and which benefits they can receive, requires some extra assistance. That is why Nefesh B'Nefesh and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), in full cooperation with the IDF, hosted the 7th annual "Yom Siddurim" (personal errands day) for Lone Soldiers on February 13th at Beit HaChayal.
"Military service in the IDF is difficult and challenging for every soldier, and even more so for Lone Soldiers. Their decision to come to Israel and enlist in the IDF is a brave and noble act, one that is rooted in a deep sense of mission, determination, and love of the State of Israel. This is true Zionism," said Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir, FIDF National Director and CEO. "The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces will continue to stand by their side and provide them with educational, cultural, recreational, and financial support during and after their military service, out of profound appreciation and respect for their contribution, and to ensure that although they are far from home, they never feel alone."
Yom Siddurim acts as a one-stop-shop for Lone Soldiers to complete a range of necessary errands. They were given access to driving tests administered on-site, employment and academic workshops for after the army, insurance providers, and much more.
"Since before Israel's independence, remarkable individuals from around the world have made Aliyah and served in the IDF, playing a crucial role in defending the Jewish state," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh. "We are constantly exploring different ways to improve and enhance our support and programming for these brave men and women. The NBN – FIDF Personal Errands Day is our way of showing these soldiers that we are dedicated to their welfare, allowing them the freedom to concentrate on their important service."
Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yoav Gallant, Minister of the Interior and Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee, Aryeh Deri, Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Betzalel Smotrich, Gal Sharabi, Tel Aviv City Council Member, and senior IDF Commanders were present to offer their support and assistance to the soldiers.
With the full support of the IDF, the Nefesh B'Nefesh–Friends of the IDF (FIDF) Lone Soldiers Program was established in 2012, in order to assist and support the brave young men and women who choose to serve in the IDF, regardless of their country of origin.
There are currently 3,500 Lone Soldier olim, serving in a range of positions in the IDF, without close family in Israel.
