lone immigrant soldiers
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Tel: +972.2.620.2633E-mail: [email protected]
Vladimir, a bomb detonator
in an elite combat unit in the
Israeli army, had not seen his
mother in over a year. Thanks
to the Jewish Agency’s Keshet
program they were reunited
for a week in Israel.
“I came to Israel and served in the army for three years. Like other lone immigrant soldiers, none of us knew what to expect after our discharge. The Wings Program prepared me to take my fi rst steps as an adult in Israeli society.” Supporting
Lone Immigrant Soldiers
-- Ari Blatt, discharged combat soldier from Florida
Each year approximately 700 lone immigrant soldiers serve in the Israel Defense Forces.
Among discharged lone soldiers: 83% said they were more prepared for civilian life after the Wings program.
4,500 immigrant soldiers will participate this year in approximately 20 Nativ courses to strengthen their connection to Judaism and to Israel.
67% of Nativ participants said that the program made them a better soldier and a better citizen.
150 parents were reunited with their children who made aliyah and are now serving in the Israeli army through the Keshet program.
The Jewish Agency is funded by The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, major Jewish communities and federations, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world.
Find out how you can make an impact: v 212.339.6048 e [email protected]
Nativ: Strengthening Jewish and Zionist Identity for Immigrant SoldiersNativ is an educational program that reinforces a new immigrant soldier’s sense of connection to Israel and his or her Jewish heritage. This intensive, seven-week program is off ered to soldiers who want to learn more about Judaism, Zionism, Israeli tradition and history. For those soldiers who are not recognized as Jewish by the Israeli Government, Nativ off ers professional guidance and support through the conversion process.
Over 8,000 soldiers have participated in Nativ since it was launched in 2001 together with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, and the IDF. To date, more than 3,200 graduates have continued their studies and completed the conversion process.
Cost per soldier in the Nativ program: $1,100
Brave, motivated young adults from around the world choose to leave their families to start a new life in Israel and serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Jewish Agency supports these brave young men and women through programs which prepare them for life after the army, bring their parents to visit and connect them with their Jewish heritage.
Wings: Preparation for Civilian LifeEach year some 700 lone immigrant soldiers transition from the army to civilian life. While this is diffi cult for any soldier, for lone soldiers it presents even greater challenges. The Jewish Agency’s Wings Program paves the way for newly discharged lone soldiers to fi nd a place to live, get a job and choose their career path.
Cost per soldier for the Wings Program: $1,540Cost for grant: $500
Pre-Discharge Seminars – a weeklong course that teaches lone soldiers about their civilian entitlements such as medical insurance, college scholarships and work benefi ts. Soldiers receive job counseling and fi nancial advice as well as support from local business leaders.
“Landing on their Feet” Grant – an immediate grant of $500 for discharged lone soldiers to assist them with initial living expenses and their fi rst month’s rent.
KeshetWith parents living thousands of miles away and their children serving in the Israeli army, the Jewish Agency sponsors a trip for parents to visit their children in Israel. For some, it is their fi rst trip to the country. For all, it is a chance to share their child’s new life, even for a short time.
Parents spend ten days traveling around Israel with their children, who get special leave from their service. In many instances, especially among soldiers from the former Soviet Union (FSU), the lone soldiers may not have seen their parents for a number of years due to the prohibitive cost of a trip to Israel. This emotional visit often serves as a catalyst for family members remaining overseas to decide about their own aliyah.
Cost per parent on the Keshet program: $1,700