Lone Soldiers' ages can range from 18-27. Many of these new recruits have postponed college studies to serve in the IDF. Being connected with a Hillel allows them to stay connected to their peers, while at the same time giving students a chance to become friends with someone of their age who has chosen to follow a very different path.
When a lone soldier is drafted into the IDF from your area, they can be paired with your local Hillel. As a Hillel, you'll accompany them throughout their service, with the option to connect with additional soldiers each year.
CREATING CONNECTIONS
The communication and/or connection with your organization can be coordinated directly with your soldier. You can talk as often as you want, or as seldom as you want. You can connect them to one group within Hillel, or all the groups. Alternatively, you can incorporate them into programming and just send care packages and letters. It’s your choice. You and your soldier will set the pace that best suits your needs! Upon receiving your match, you'll be put directly in touch with your soldier. For Hillels who need extra assistance in programming, we can develop programs with you to introduce different topics on life in Israel and the IDF.
PROVIDING SUPPORT
Program fees are just $250 for the school year and two care packages, shipping, delivery, and customs clearance for the soldier's care packages.
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION & SOLDIER MEET-UPS
We believe that the best education is experiential education. Through forming relationships, writing letters, asking questions, raising tzedakah and fulfilling wishes, and meeting their soldier, participants are engaging with Israel on many different levels. College students will be able to take away many different meanings from their experience. As such, M'ever LaYam will work with you to develop educational programming that best suits the needs and background of your Hillel. While on your birthright trip, meet-ups with your soldier will be arranged and in many cases, we're able to place your lone soldier as a participant on your Birthright trip during your their second year of service.
SENDING PACKAGES
In fulfilling the care packages, soldiers will get to create "wish lists" of items they miss from home. Items are sourced by M'ever LaYam and packaged at our location in Los Angeles. Any letters or hand made items must be sent to our offices by specific deadline so they can be included in your package. We will then delivery your package directly to the soldier’s residence Israel.