Who are Israel’s lone soldiers?
A “lone soldier” is someone who either has no living biological family, or his/her family does not live in Israel, or the relationship between the individual and the family is so dysfunctional that it is as if they had no family.
At any given time some 6,000 lone soldiers are on active duty in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). These are young men and women who chose to serve their country despite the difficulties this posed for them because of their family circumstances.
Each year some 2,000 lone soldiers are demobilized after completing full military service, transforming them overnight into “lone civilians”. While they had the choice to waive military service, these young people voluntarily decided not to, but after serving their country, now find themselves alone. We believe it is imperative to support these idealistic young people as they transition into civilian life.
About Mentor-for-Life
The “Mentor-for-Life” non-profit organization was established out of the desire to enable demobilized lone soldiers to have a fair chance of integrating into Israeli society. We do this by operating a network of mature volunteer mentors who accompany former soldiers during the initial stages of transitioning into civilian society.
Lone soldiers have 60 days following completion of the IDF to find room and board, a job, and to make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. Often, this is simply not enough time and the lone soldiers do not have the tools to move forward in their lives in the best way .
The personal relationship that develops between the mentors and demobilized lone soldiers enables the latter to cope more effectively with their various challenges and make informed decisions regarding their personal and professional lives.
The organization has made over 450 matches between demobilized lone soldiers and mentors, and by the end of 2016 we anticipate a total of 700 such pairs.
Who are the mentors?
The mentor is an adult who has reached professional and personal maturity and is in a position, and has the desire, to give of his/her time, energy and expertise to others. Mentors provide demobilized lone soldiers with tools, knowledge, and skills that can help them cope with the challenges they face in daily life. The mentor supports the demobilized lone soldier at critical crossroads, in grappling with difficulties, in facing barriers and encumbrances as s/he navigates through his/her new life as an independent adult. Mentors provide encouragement, sage advice, and support that empower demobilized lone soldiers with a sense of self-confidence and competence and enable them to make mature, informed decisions that will positively impact their personal, educational, and vocation choices.
From A., a demobilized female lone soldier
“I made aliya by myself five years ago via “SELA” (students before parents). I studied in a special immigrant student program for one year at the Hebrew University, and then I decided I wanted to serve in the IDF and contribute to Israeli society. I served as a computer network director in a combat support unit, and it made me feel wonderful to be helping to defend my country.
When I completed my military service I found myself helpless and confused. For the first time in my life I had no framework and no family to help me get organized. I didn’t know how to support myself, to decide in what direction I should go. I didn’t even know basic things, like how to manage time and money. I arrived in tears at the Office for Demobilized Soldiers, unable to cope with all the burdens I suddenly had. They referred me to “Mentor-for-Life” through which I met Maya. With her support and patience I began to function as an independent adult. She guided me through Israel’s mazes of bureaucracy and I learned how to deal with the bank, credit card companies, and applications to university. I was accepted to studies in my field of choice, biology, and moved into student dormitories. With Maya’s help, I received a scholarship. I don’t know how I would have accomplished all this without the “Mentor-for-Life” organization.
I wish to thank everyone in “Mentor-for-Life”, especially Maya, for their contribution to my future; without your support and assistance I would not be where I am now. The Chinese proverb “Even a thousand-mile journey begins with one step” is the embodiment of this organization. Helping lone demobilized soldiers take their first steps into Israeli society as civilians is of immeasurable importance in helping us love Israel all the more, making us want to succeed, and enabling us to continue to contribute to our people and country. Just knowing there is someone always ready to listen and to be there to guide us forward makes all the difference.”
Donate to Mentor-for-Life
The following projects conducted by the Mentor for Life require funding:
Mentor Training: Candidate mentors require training and empowerment to be able to give of themselves and provide young adults with the tools to succeed and integrate into the adult world. The mentors’ role is not to provide answers, but to facilitate a mutual learning process.
The Mentor-for-Life Emergency Fund: In light of the unanticipated problems among many demobilized lone soldiers, e.g., evictions, electricity cut-offs, debts, it was decided to maintain an emergency fund for demobilized soldiers to enable the organization to provide financial aid in extenuating circumstances.
The “Warm House” Subsidy: Within 60 days of completion of military service, demobilized lone soldiers are required to leave the room and board provided by the IDF. This subsidy provides between $265 and $1,315 a year to enable these young people to stabilize themselves financially.
Empowerment: To integrate successfully into society demobilized lone soldiers need to hone skills, acquire information, and develop a sense of personal competence. The Mentor-for-Life organization arranges lectures, workshops, and experiential activities which contribute to personal development and help ensure that demobilized lone soldiers enter adulthood on an equal footing with peers who have supportive families.