Serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a Lone Soldier is a significant and honorable commitment.
These dedicated volunteers leave their homes, families, and countries behind, choosing to defend Israel and contribute to its security. For many, serving as a lone soldier is part of a broader journey — one that often leads to making Aliyah and building a permanent life in Israel afterward. Recognizing their unique challenges, the State of Israel has established specific rights and support systems to ensure that lone soldiers receive the assistance they need during their service.
In this article, we shed light on the rights and provisions in place for lone soldiers in Israel, highlighting the country’s commitment to honoring and supporting these extraordinary individuals.
The Definition and Importance of Lone Soldiers
Lone soldiers are individuals who serve in the IDF without immediate family residing in Israel. They often come from various countries around the world — the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, and France among them — driven by a strong connection to Israel, a sense of duty, or personal beliefs. These courageous individuals willingly leave their support networks behind to contribute their skills and dedication to the defense of Israel. The term “Israel lone soldier” (or in Hebrew, “chayal boded”) is well known in the Anglo Jewish community, and organizations like Nefesh B’Nefesh actively support lone soldiers from English-speaking countries.
Lone soldiers play a crucial role in the IDF, offering their diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives to enhance the collective strength of Israel’s defense forces. Their selflessness and commitment demonstrate the deep bond they share with the State of Israel, making their service invaluable to the nation’s security.
Rights and Support for Lone Soldiers
- Stipends and Grants: Lone soldiers are eligible for financial support, including monthly stipends and grants to assist with living expenses and cover additional costs incurred during their service. These financial provisions aim to alleviate the financial burden faced by lone soldiers, allowing them to focus on their duties without undue hardship.
- Tax benefits: Lone soldiers are entitled to tax benefits, including exemptions and reduced rates, to ease their financial obligations.
- Lone Soldier Centers: Israel has established Lone Soldier Centers in various locations, offering accommodation and a supportive environment. These centers provide a sense of community, social activities, and necessary resources to help lone soldiers navigate their military responsibilities.
- Home Hospitality Program: The Home Hospitality Program connects lone soldiers with local Israeli families who open their homes during weekends and holidays. This program offers lone soldiers a chance to experience the warmth and camaraderie of Israeli family life — and for many, these families become an important part of their support network as they later transition to civilian life in Israel.
- Personal Assistance: Dedicated staff members and coordinators assist lone soldiers with bureaucratic matters, guidance, and support throughout their service, navigating the same Israeli bureaucracy that all new residents encounter.
- Mental Health Support: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by lone soldiers, mental health services are readily accessible. Professional counselors and psychologists provide confidential support.
After Service: Transitioning to Life in Israel
After completing their military service, lone soldiers are eligible for a range of benefits, including educational scholarships, vocational training programs, and assistance in transitioning into civilian life. Many lone soldiers go on to make Aliyah formally, settling in Israel and accessing the full package of Oleh Chadash benefits — sal klita, healthcare through a Kupat Cholim, Ulpan, and the 10-year foreign income tax exemption.
For lone soldiers considering staying in Israel after their service, the transition involves many of the same steps as any new Oleh — opening an Israeli bank account, registering with Bituach Leumi, choosing a health fund, and finding work. Israel’s tech sector is particularly accessible for English-speaking veterans with technical training, and many IDF alumni go on to successful careers in Israel’s high-tech ecosystem. See our guide to finding a job in Israel as an Oleh for a full breakdown of employment options.
Concluding Remarks
The rights and provisions established for lone soldiers in Israel demonstrate the nation’s deep appreciation for their invaluable contributions. Financial support, housing assistance, and access to comprehensive services are all tangible expressions of gratitude and recognition for the unique challenges faced by these courageous men and women.
Their diversity of experiences, skills, and perspectives enriches the fabric of the IDF, transforming it into a formidable force capable of navigating complex challenges. In the end, it is the collective responsibility of the global Jewish community to stand alongside these lone soldiers, supporting them as they safeguard the State of Israel. May their commitment inspire us all to deepen our connection to Israel and strengthen our support for those who sacrifice to protect it.