About EN – The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin

The Lone Soldier Center in the Memory of Michael Levin

Lone Soldiers in Israel

Approximately 7,000 lone soldiers, both men and women, serve in the IDF and receive physical support.
The Lone Soldier Center supports around 3,500 lone soldiers at any given time, including approximately 2,000 who are currently serving in the IDF.
The Center offers a tailored and comprehensive support package, providing continuous assistance for approximately 10 years.
We specialize in offering comprehensive support during the critical periods before enlistment and after discharge, when military assistance is limited.
In the coming years, the number of soldiers supported by the Center is expected to increase by approximately 10% annually, driven by factors such as immigration to Israel, transitions out of ultra-Orthodox communities, and the expansion of programs aimed at integrating at-risk youth into the IDF, etc.

About Us

The largest and oldest non-profit organization in Israel dedicated to supporting lone soldiers from the moment they receive their conscription order through to five years after their
discharge from the IDF.
The Lone Soldier Center offers support through two parallel programs: one for lone immigrant soldiers and another for lone Israeli soldiers without family support. This includes personalized and professional guidance from social workers and coordinators, as well as long-term assistance
spanning from pre-enlistment to military service and up to five years post-discharge.

The Organization operates with a clear standard of effectiveness.

Our Vision

The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin serves as a home and community, offering essential opportunities for lone soldiers without family support and new immigrants. It provides guidance and resources before enlistment, throughout military service, and up to five years post-discharge. By equipping them with tools to overcome their unique challenges, the center empowers these soldiers, strengthens their connection to the State of Israel, and fosters their integration into Israeli society for the rest of their adult lives.

What We are Destined to Accomplish

The creation of a comprehensive support system for lone soldiers, focusing on providing a decent quality of life—starting with basic physiological needs, progressing to the psychological needs of belonging and community, and culminating in self actualization and full integration into society based on each soldier’s unique abilities.

Objectives Our

Housing

Managing a nationwide housing system for lone soldiers.

Consultation

A professional team of soldier coordinators is available to assist lone soldiers, IDF members, and discharged soldiers. Services include help with lone soldier recognition, navigating rights and benefits, accessing information, and providing bureaucratic support with the army and other relevant authorities.

Community

The center will establish social community centers for lone soldiers in various regions. The primary goal of these centers is to foster a sense of belonging and community among the soldiers.
These spaces will provide a welcoming environment for them to relax, eat, drink, and receive support, including an attentive ear and assistance with daily needs.

The Lone Soldier Center is a home, a family, and a supportive community for lone soldiers.

About Michael Levin

From a typical American teenager to a dedicated IDF soldier on the front lines.

Michael Levin had always dreamed of serving as a soldier in the Israeli army. In 2004, he made that dream a reality by immigrating to Israel alone and enlisting in the Paratrooper Brigade.

While vacationing with his family in the USA in 2006, the Second Lebanon War broke out. Michael didn’t hesitate for a moment and returned to Israel to fight alongside his comrades. On August 1, 2006, at just 17 years old, Michael was tragically killed by sniper fire in the village of Eita al-Sha’ab.

The establishment of “The Lone Soldier Center” is the realization of another of Michael’s dreams— creating a home where lone soldiers can find a place to relax, share meals, receive support, and experience a sense of family.

Areas of Activity

From then until now

Board of Directors

Success Stories

"My journey toward meaningful service in the IDF was anything but easy. I immigrated from the U.S. on my own, learned Hebrew, faced challenges during training, experienced both setbacks and triumphs. Eventually, friends introduced me to Michael Levin's club in Tel Aviv, where, for the first time, I truly felt a sense of belonging. In October, I entered Gaza and went through so much during my time there... "Beyond the regular support with meals, gatherings, and daily essentials, Michael Levin's center is now also funding psychological treatment to help me process and cope with everything I've been through. Here, I truly feel at home—a team that supports me, a place to eat, rest, connect with friends, and simply not feel alone."

"I remember the day I first arrived at Michael Levin's center. I knew nothing about the IDF—I just showed up and asked to enlist. It was challenging and complicated, but for the first time, I felt like I had someone by my side, a family away from home. Incredible people who pay attention to every detail, ensure I'm never alone, always make sure there's something to eat on Shabbat evenings, and take care of everything I need. They're always there for me. Honestly, I don’t know if I could have enlisted without the association's support. You have to understand, what seems obvious to someone growing up in Israel—every boy or girl knowing what enlistment means from a young age—was completely foreign to me. I had no one to guide or support me through the recruitment process. The association has become a central part of my life story—the good part. Now, I have a family waiting for me abroad and a family here in Israel as well."

"I knew from the age of 14 that I would serve in the IDF, even though it wasn’t considered acceptable in my community. During a visit to Israel, I saw Border Police fighters in Jerusalem, and to me, they were heroes. I knew I wanted to be like them. At 16, I made the decision to immigrate to Israel on my own. Before the draft, I was assigned to serve in the ICT Corps, but I was determined to join the Border Police unit and fulfill my dream of becoming a fighter. Serving as a fighter in the Border Police has been challenging, especially as a lone soldier, but it was incredibly rewarding and meaningful. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. When I enlisted, I was introduced to the Michael Levin Memorial Association, and they supported me throughout my entire service. They provided all the equipment I needed for enlistment and continued to help me with everything even after I finished my service. Now, as a discharged soldier, I still receive their support, which makes me feel like I truly belong and am valued. My brother also decided to immigrate to Israel and join the IDF. He’s now part of the Association’s program as well, and it’s been a huge help, allowing us to focus on our goals without having to manage everything on our own."

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