Each year, an estimated 1,300 new immigrant soldiers complete their army service. They are alone in Israel without their families to help them cope with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. After years of service to our country and nation, we express our commitment to them by assisting them in finding ways to support themselves financially, find a place to live, obtain an education, pursue a career path, connect with other lone immigrant soldiers socially and more.
We provide ongoing and meaningful support to these young adults. Together with you, the Jewish Agency for Israel and other partners, we offer the Wings program, a pre-discharge seminar. Wings also has alumni programming that includes courses, workshops, trips and social events to promote their post-army integration into Israeli society. At all stages, Wings mentors are available to help young adults navigate the challenges they face. We also give these soldiers a release grant to help them buy essentials and pay for other expenses related to their lives as civilians.
“Be brave, beloved soldiers of your land…all these things were temporary and you are not alone in this fight! Greetings from the Philippines.”
“I salute all honorable soldier’s that still stand up for the sake of peace hope and wisdom. may the bless and good health be all of you. we are so proud of you all…”
“To all the soldiers out there I salute for your courage to serve and protect humanity. May the Good Lord grant His protection to you this time of pandemic. Stay safe soldiers.”
Thank You!
“Throughout the years and throughout different difficulties, I must say that one difficulty in particular has been the hardest to overcome. “Lone” soldier is a precise description that has always accompanied me in times of failure or success.
A year ago, I saw an ad for a lone soldier scholarship and I decided to apply.
Little did I know that this application would lead me to a feeling I was yearning for years.
The Wings Program has been more than a monday meeting, for the first time in years I felt as if I have arrived to a place that sincerely cares about my overall well being and actually does something about it too. For the first time, I felt truly appreciated regarding the choice I made to fulfill a prospering life in Israel, against all odds.
During the Corona period, many released lone soldiers got into emotional and financial difficulties. The Wings Program and the wonderful donors joined the mission and provided us with emotional and financial support that made this period simpler. For that, I just want to say thank you.
It was evident that every single word and action was built on values of respect, gratitude and pure contribution.
I am extremely honored to have participated in such a program and will be forever grateful to the people that participate in this wonderful project.
Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
