What is a Lone Soldier? When a typical soldier in the Israeli Army goes on leave, they get picked up from the bus stop by Mom and Dad and have a warm meal ready for them at home.  They are able to relax and rest knowing that their family members will take [...]]]>

What is a Lone Soldier?
When a typical soldier in the Israeli Army goes on leave, they get picked up from the bus stop by Mom and Dad and have a warm meal ready for them at home.  They are able to relax and rest knowing that their family members will take care of them during their time on leave. Most Israeli soldiers grew up in Israel; they know the country, the culture, and speak Hebrew fluently.  When they go on leave, they have parents and friends to support them emotionally, take care of laundry, cook Shabbat meals, and all help out with all other basic needs.

For the over 5,000 lone soldiers serving in the IDF, there is no parent and no warm home to return to on Shabbat (weekend) leave.  Many of them struggle each Shabbat to find the time and place to cook their meals, wash their laundry and talk with families back home. Others were in need of help and advise adjusting to life in Israel, life in the army, finding an apartment, furniture, or obtaining their rights as new immigrants to Israel.

The Center – Ongoing Projects
The Michael Levin Memorial Center was founded by former lone soldiers aware of the problems lone soldiers face – and committed to providing the services and support lone soldiers need and deserve. 
 

Since May of 2009, over 900 lone soldiers have come in for advice and guidance, before, during, and after their service in the IDF. We now have Shabbat meals for over 200 lone soldiers each month.  Hundreds of fridges and beds have been delivered, discharged soldiers have been placed into jobs, and myriad problems lone soldiers encountered in the army have been resolved.

Looking for the Michael Levin Memorial Center? We are on the first floor of Binyan Klal, Agrippas 42 in Jerusalem by Shuk Mahane Yehuda. **