Lone Soldier Classification
Lone Soldier - חייל בודד
An IDF soldier is classified as a "Lone Soldier" if they don't have a support system in Israel. This is the case when a soldier does not have immediate family in Israel, or are estranged from their family in Israel. Lone soldiers serve in regular IDF units, including combat units. They receive special entitlements from the IDF such as increased salaries, housing assistance, and additional leave. They may also receive assistance from Israeli Government Ministries and from charity organizations. You may read more about Lone Soldier Entitlments here and here.
In order to be eligible for a lone soldier status, none of your first-degree relatives can live in Israel.
You will receive a Lone soldier status only after your Tzav Rishon. Mahal cannot guarantee you lone soldier status.
Support for Lone Soldiers
Please note that Mahal does not make arrangments for your housing. We advise you to research different organizations that provide assistance. Linked below are a few such organizations; there are more.
The Lone Soldier Center
FIDF
Reut Program for Lone Soldiers
Nefesh B'Nefesh
Benji Hilman Foundation
The Lone Soldier Center
Hamsa
Ha Bait Shel Lea
Beit Almog
Beit Eli
The Michael Levin Base
The Bayit Brigade
The Association for Israel's soldiers
