A Parents’ Guide to Service in the IDF for Lone
Soldiers
We are happy to present you with this guide. The goal is to provide you
with information and guidance to help you understand the process your
child will be going through prior, during and after their service in the IDF.
Parents and families, fasten your seatbelts, this promises to be a “Masa”
or “journey” that will last a lifetime - not only for your children,
but for you as parents as well. We at the Lone Soldier Center in memory
of Michael Levin will be with you and your children to help and assist in
every way we can.
Josh Flaster
National Director
[email protected]
Mike Meyerheim
Parents’ Liaison and COO
Director, Northern Branch
[email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: About the Lone Soldier Center
Pg. 2: Services the Center provides to lone soldiers
Pg. 3: Ways the LSC can support you, the parent
Pg. 4: Meet other parents, host a parent – meeting, receive advice, information
and help
PART II: Information for your lone soldier before enlisting and beyond
Pg. 5: How Do I Join the IDF?
Pg. 6: Tsav Rishon
Pg. 7: FAQs
Pg. 8: Tasks that must be completed prior to draft date
PART III: Your Child’s Army Service
Pg. 9: Draft Day: What happens the day you draft into the IDF
Pg. 10: Monetary Benefits
Pg. 11: Time off from the Army
Pg. 12: Ceremonies and Events
Pg. 12: Tash – Social Service
Pg. 13: Medical Services in the Army
Pg. 14: Speaking to your lone soldier about his/her experiences
Pg. 15: Fundraising for your Child’s Unit and Sending Packages
Pg. 16: Important Hebrew terms
About the Lone Soldier Center:
The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin was founded by former lone
soldiers to support lone soldiers serving today. Michael Levin was an Americanborn lone soldier who fell fighting in Lebanon in 2006. The Lone Soldier Center was
created by a group of his friends, former lone soldiers, following-through on a dream of
Michael's - to create an entity that would assist, feed, connect and care for lone soldiers
in the IDF, before, during and after their army service.
There are currently over 6,000 lone soldiers serving in the IDF, from 50 countries around
the world, proud sons and daughters of Jewish communities large and small.
The Center’s staff and hundreds of volunteers work very hard to build this family and
provide for many of the basic off-base needs of lone soldiers. We do this to ensure they
will be included, supported and succeed in adjusting to life in Israel.
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Services the Center provides to lone soldiers
It is important to us that you as parents know the areas where the LSC focus our
programming and support efforts – areas where you (and your child/ren) can depend on
the LSC in all the stages of a lone soldier’s service:
1. Pre-army seminars, education and information - Throughout the year, the LSC
holds pre-army seminars throughout Israel both on bases as well as other
locations, including our offices in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv to help answer many
pre-army questions and concerns.
2. Guidance and counseling – one and one counseling and guidance with a
personal advisor-all advisors are former lone soldiers who have been trained by
the LSC. Lone Soldiers should feel comfortable to call on their advisor for any
issues, problems or just for someone to talk to.
3. Shabbat and holiday meals – We hold Shabbat meals in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and
on Kibbutz Gesher, at least twice a month as well as holiday meals for hundreds
on both Jewish and National holidays.
4. Physical items - Lone Soldiers are often in need of large backpacks, flashlights,
seasonal clothing, shoes, winter gear, socks, toiletries, draftee kits and more. We
run regular campaigns to purchase winter and summer gear for Lone Soldiers
who cannot afford it on their own. Throughout the year and during special
operations (like Operation Pillar of Defense and Operation Protective Edge) our
volunteers traveled to army bases to deliver these items to lone soldiers.
5. Social events, BBQs and holiday parties - Social events where your
son/daughter can meet current and past lone soldiers to get personal
experiences of what service is like and to development a support network for
him/her. These social events help lone soldiers to make friends and feel part of
the lone soldier family.
6. Housing Needs - The Center assists in supplying the basic housing needs
(furniture) necessary to create a comfortable environment for a soldier to return
to. Our volunteers, many of whom are lone soldiers and former lone soldiers,
give up their one free day a week to collect and distribute furniture to lone
soldiers in need.
7. Classes and educational programming – Hebrew language prep, Yoga classes,
acupuncture, cultural evenings and more
8. Base visits and attending army ceremonies – When Israeli families visit their
sons and daughters on base at the end of basic training, what happens with the
lone soldiers? The Lone Soldier Center volunteers come to support lone soldiers
during milestone events such as end of training ceremonies, draft days, beret
and end of service ceremonies. The LSC volunteers watch the ceremonies and
spend time with the lone soldiers after the ceremonies-When a lone soldier
knows someone is at the ceremony they do not feel alone.
9. Tsevet Lohamim – a pre-army mental and physical intensive preparation course
10. A warm family and community!
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Ways the LSC can support you, the parent
Help your lone soldier’s unit (requests to fundraise and assist
their unit will likely arrive)
Many units will ask their soldiers if they can assist via family, corporate connections or
their community, to fundraise and purchase items or put on events for the units. These
requests can range from small and reasonable (t-shirts for end-of-training, a meal after a
march), to unrealistic and not touchable (night vision goggles, military hardware).
There are approved ways to assist and provide needed items to a soldiers’ unit (from
winter fleeces, headlamps, a BBQ or snack after a long week in the field, etc…). Be in
touch with [email protected] to find out more about what can be done to
support and better the life of your soldier/s and their brothers/sisters-in-arms during
their service. All soldiers appreciate extra help and support.
Meet other parents, host a parent-meeting, receive advice,
information and help:
The LSC recognizes that parent and family relationships are an integral part of a lone
soldier’s service and therefore our organization. We work hard to provide help and
guidance on all levels.
Bi-annually, Mike Meyerheim or another representative from the Center visits
communities in North America with large populations of lone soldiers – to answer
questions, calm fears, assist and provide information and guidance to the parents and
families abroad. As important, we like and are always happy to connect parents of lone
soldiers with one another – this happens naturally at a parent-meeting or in between
can easily done by email or FB. Contact [email protected] to arrange a gettogether or and informational session for parents in your area.
We thank you for your commitment and dedication towards the safety of the land of
Israel, her people and her soldiers. Thank you for raising, educating and loving a lone
soldier who is likely your child, grandchild, sibling, niece or nephew – together, G-d
willing, we will be able to look after them, protect them, and help them succeed.
Families are welcome to email and phone our Centers across Israel, and a “parent
Facebook group” is available for you to join which connects lone soldier families from
around the world. To access that group, please email [email protected], as
the group is secret and hidden to protect families and their lone soldier’s identities.
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Create a chapter, assist lone soldiers across Israel!
Support the Lone Soldier Center. All of us at the Center, especially all thousands of the
lone soldiers who depend on us for meals, guidance, and help – would greatly
appreciate your assistance abroad, organizing, educating and engaging your community
in support of lone soldiers. Many parents have created chapters in their community,
holding an annual parlor meeting, connecting and receiving support from local shuls,
youth groups, restaurants, private foundations, etc…
If you are active in your community, at school, synagogue, Sisterhood or otherwise,
please consider getting your friends and community to support the Lone Soldier Center
by: holding an event, inviting a speaker, holding a bake sale, or otherwise channeling the
energy and support of the community to a project that will help our lone soldiers. Email:
[email protected] to plan.
Our Website:
Our website is filled with up-to-date info and ongoing community-building activities for
lone soldiers - www.LoneSoldierCenter.com.
PART II
INFORMATION FOR YOUR SOLDIER
BEFORE ENLISTING AND BEYOND
How do I join the IDF?
Length of service and eligibility: Depending on your son’s/daughter’s age and
health, the IDF will draft them for a time period of 6 months to 2.5 years (or more if
they are accepted into Specialized units). Below is a chart with their expected service
time per age and health level.
Age upon arrival Profile**
18 - 19
31 - 97
20 - 21
65 - 97
31 - 64
22 - 25
65 - 97
Service Length Male
30 months
24 months
6 months*
6 months*
Service Length Female
24 months
24 months until age 21
(From 21 service is voluntary*)
Exempt, can volunteer
*(For combat and other roles w/ long training, must volunteer for 12-24 months of service)
**One’s profile is determined by physical examination.
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Important FYI: During the first 12 months of making Aliyah army service is not required.
If one desires to draft within that time, a special request must be made in writing and
sent to the draft board for consideration. The Lone Soldier Center can assist writing the
required formal letter in Hebrew, draftee needs to come into the LSC for help.
Making Aliyah (receiving Israeli citizenship):
From North America and England, Aliyah must be made through the Nefesh
B’Nefesh organization. When an individual makes Aliyah, their eligibility for military
service is determined based on age at date of arrival* in Israel with other factors such as
family status, medical and physical profile and profession being taken into
consideration. Please note – Americans, Canadians, most European countries permit
dual-citizenship.
Joining Garin Tzabar: Tzabar is a program for young Diaspora Jews who choose to
immigrate to Israel as part of a small group (Garin) all of whom will serve in the IDF. Each
Garin (group) of approximately 20 soldiers is assigned to a kibbutz (or if they are full, an
absorption Center). The Garinim groups are formed primarily abroad, and include a
series of bonding seminars before making Aliyah together. Additional garinim are
created within Israel for those in Yeshiva/Gap year programs.
Mahal or Machal – Volunteering for IDF: Mahal is a track which allows young Jewish
men (ages 18-23) and women (ages 18-20) from all over the world serve to as volunteers
in the IDF. Lone soldiers who enlist through Mahal are obligated by the IDF to serve 18
months (The IDF recently increased the time requirements for Mahal from 14 months to
18 months). One cannot have made Aliyah and enlist through Mahal. Through Mahal,
one will usually enlist in the IDF within 2-3 months after their arrival in Israel where one
will complete all the necessary pre-army testing and procedures. For more information:
Relevant Links: http://www.mahal-idf-volunteers.org/
Garin Tzabar: http://www.israelscouts.org/#!garin-tzabar/c1l8y
Nefesh B’Nefesh: http://www.nbn.org.il/
Tsav Rishon (first notice)
This is the first step in the draft process, until this step is completed, a draftee is not
in the army’s computers/system.
Personal Interview: A personal interview, which assesses personal history, educational
background, etc. (Those who drink, use drugs or have mental health histories will not be
drafted, answers to all questions are extremely serious in this phase, as always, feel free
to contact us with questions before).
Hebrew Exam: After your Hebrew exam, you will receive a Hebrew score. This score
determines whether you need to take the army’s Hebrew course. The highest score for
the exam is 9. If you receive a 6 or above, you will not need to take the army’s Hebrew
course (at Mikve Alon base); if you receive 5 or below, you will need to take the course.
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Physical Examination with an Army Doctor: The physical examination consists of a
general medical check, a urine test, and a blood. There is a possibility of being examined
by a specialist if necessary. One may be asked to see a private doctor (outside of the
army).
The Profile Scale (21 – 97)
The medical profile is a score, which reflects your health and indicates which jobs you
will be assigned, given your medical condition. You are given a profile after you are
examined by an IDF doctor during your Tzav Rishon.
21: Not fit for military service, but you can volunteer.
24: Temporary Profile- This means that at this point in time you are not fit for service,
but that the status may change in a few months, i.e. you recently underwent surgery, or
were in a car accident, etc.
45 or 64: Fit for non-combat units
72, 82, 97: Fit for combat units
72: Artillery and Armory Units (i.e. Tanks)
82: Infantry (Nachal, Golani, etc.)
97: Infantry, Commando Units/Sayerot (Special Forces), Air Force
1. Psycho Technical Exams (IQ Test): This is a computerized exam that checks
analytical abilities. Note that there is an option to take this test in English,
Spanish, French and Russian. However, if the drafting office deems that one’s
Hebrew is good enough (determined by results of Hebrew exam), one is
required to take the test in Hebrew. The Hebrew version of the exam is around 2
hours long. One’s score weighs heavily in deciding which jobs are offered in the
army. One is only allowed to take this exam once.
2. Personal Interview -- there is a second interview for individuals who have the
age/profile qualifications suitable for combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal my profile? It is possible to submit an appeal within 30 days of
receiving notification of your medical profile. One must provide the proper medical
documentation to justify the appeal.
Note: If there is a subsequent change in one’s health, one must notify the regional draft
board immediately and provide them with relevant medical documentation.
What is the Kaba score? The Kaba score is an overall number reflecting one’s evaluation
during the Tzav Rishon. It is generated during the personal interview, exams, etc. The
army will not release one’s Kaba score. This number has an influence on the
classification, job assignment and upward mobility in the army.
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What is a Manila? A Manila is a questionnaire that one receives months (how many?)
after your Tzav Rishon. One’s scores from the Tzav Rishon determine which jobs will be
listed as options on the questionnaire.
**It is important to note that most Olim who draft within their first year of making
Aliyah do not get a Manila. What do they get??
What about "non-combat" positions? If one is assigned to or applies for a non-combat
position, he/she will receive a manila (questionnaire) listing appropriate options. Some
involve further testing or tryouts, for example, if one is interested in being a Madrich or
Madricha (teacher). You try out for the different jobs before actually being drafted. Keep
in mind that if you don’t pass one of the tryouts, you can apply for a different position.
What if I make Aliyah with a university degree? If you make Aliyah with a university
degree, we can assist in the process of placing you in an IDF job relevant to your field of
studies. If your Hebrew is high enough (determined after your Tzav Rishon) and your
undergraduate degree is recognized by the Ministry of Education, we can forwarding
along your case to an IDF academic placement officer before you draft.
*Once an individual has completed the tsav rishon process, and there are no pending
issues, usually within a 3 to 4 week period a date of draft is determined.
Tasks that must be completed prior to draft date
Banking
In order for a soldier to be paid from the army they must open an account in an Israeli
bank, i.e. Leumi, Discount, Hapoalim, etc. The IDF direct deposits funds to soldiers’
accounts in the beginning of each month.
If drafting via Machal, the account will be opened as a foreign resident and therefore
one will need to bring with them a passport and second picture identification. If one has
made aliyah they will need to bring their Israeli identification card and passport.
While opening the account it should be made clear that this will be a soldier account, so
as to benefit from all that soldiers may receive.
*Failure to open an account prior to draft can result in delay of several months to
receive pay.
Cell phones
Bring/buy an unlocked cell phone with you to Israel. Do NOT buy in Israel.
This is an area where each person must do some homework to find service package that
best meets their needs. One must decide how much internet service they need,
overseas calling plan etc. Regardless of what company one signs up with, it is highly
suggested that a strong phone case be purchased as replacing a screen can be very
costly.
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A few of the major service providers in Israel:
https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/packages.php - Golan is widely recommend as it
includes international calls, also check: Hot Mobile & CellCom, all present in major malls.
http://www.pelephone.co.il//digital/3G/Corporate/digital/store/packges/soldiers_progr
am/.aspx – Israel’s oldest provider
Housing Options
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Kibbutz- A room on a kibbutz, up to two soldiers per room
Beit HaChayal - a hostel for soldiers, up to 6 soldiers per room, located in all
major cities in Israel
Rent- up to 1050 shekels per month
FIDF apartment- all expense paid for, fully furnished apartments, placed all over
Israel, up to two soldiers per room, 6 soldiers per apartment
Beit Shemesh home: For 10-12 male lone soldiers –opening October 2015
https://lonesoldiercenter.com/homebeits/
Bulletin board/facebook groups Jerusalem and Tel Aviv centers for Lone Soldiers
to connect and find room mates.
Housing
This process should begin prior to arriving to Israel. The IDF does not take responsibility
for finding housing for soldiers. Here are a few options to consider:
Soldier House (Beit Hachayal)
A lone soldier may lodge at one of the Soldier's Welfare Association's lone soldier
houses located throughout the country in Kiryat Shmona, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel
Aviv, Beer Sheva & other cities. A recognized Lone Soldier can stay here up to 3 months
before his or her draft and 30 days upon completion of army service. Generally the beit
hachayal is very basic accommodation.
Renting an apartment throughout Israel
Many choose to find apartments themselves with other friends or lone soldiers. This is
done at the individual’s discretion. Some apartments may be furnished while others are
empty. The IDF will assist with rent cost up to 1050 shekels per month. Soldier must also
take into account surrounding costs, such as, electricity, water, food, etc.
Kibbutz Accommodations
Mostly found on the periphery of Israel many kibbutzim offer housing for lone soldiers.
This provides a community environment for soldiers to be part of. Most provide facilities
for laundry and other services. Some kibbutzim have places for one or two per room.
Usually this is the most affordable housing for soldiers. Contact the LSC and we’ll sit
down, guide and connect you to the Kibbutzim with space for lone soldiers.
Beit Shemesh Home
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A community in Beit Shemesh will be opening a home for approximately 10 male lone
soldiers in October 2015. Sign-up available at lonesoldiercenter.com
Other options for particular units/soldiers: Dirat alach apartments, Beit Shel Benji (only
combat males), Beit Kobi (only Givati)
PART III – Your Child’s Army Service
What happens the day you draft into the IDF?
Things to bring with you on draft day
The rule of thumb to follow is that you must always return to base with enough to cover
two weeks of being on base at any given time. Here are those non IDF issue items to
bring with you…
*70 liter backpack
*underwear
*cosmetics, soaps, shaving items
*sneakers, white socks, shorts for sport
*toilet paper, always pack two rolls in zip lock bag
*sharpie pen- everything should be marked with your name permanently
*wet wipes
* items to sleep in
*sheets
Things not to bring with you on draft day
*do not bring things of value
*computers, I-pads, expensive electronics
*jewelry
*excessive amounts of cash
The Lone Soldier Center volunteers and staff will accompany lone soldiers on their draft
day, to encourage, support and wish them good luck.
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Lone Soldier Rights
Monetary Benefits
Monthly Stipend – Lone soldiers receive a stipend of double a standard monthly salary,
which is set according to their "Operation Level Status." (Machal and Olim)
Combat
1618.5 NIS
Combat Support
1220.3 NIS
Non-Combat
859 NIS
Food Stipends -- All lone soldiers receive 120 NIS voucher per month to the Supersal
chain stores to obtain food products, excluding alcohol and tobacco products. The
stipend appears on the choger (IDF soldier ID). The 120 NIS does not roll over from
month to month. If you fail to use the full amount for any given month you
automatically lose the balance on the first day of the next month. (Machal and Olim)
Rental assistance from the IDF—With an original signed copy of a rental contract, a lone
soldier can receive up to 1050 shekels per month, for the duration of the written lease.
(Machal and Olim)
Sal Klita (only for lone soldiers who are new immigrants) -- On top of the Sal Klita
(Absorption Basket) that all new immigrants receive during their first 6 months after
Aliyah, lone soldiers receive an additional 352 NIS monthly stipend from the Misrad
Haklita (Ministry of Immigrant Absorption). Lone soldiers can receive these benefits
retroactively up to a year if they do not receive them.
Rental Assistance (only for lone soldiers who are new immigrants) -- Lone soldiers are
entitled to receive rental assistance from the Misrad Habinui v'Hashikun (Ministry of
Construction and Housing). After being in Israel for one year, lone soldiers will receive an
additional monthly stipend of 420 NIS from the Misrad Habinui v'Hashikun. This service
needs to be renewed every six months. Lone soldiers must bring their identification
card, Ishur Sadir, lone soldier letter issued by the army and teudat oleh to the Misrad
Habinui v'Hashikun.
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Time off from the Army
Visiting Parents Abroad
If a soldier's parents live abroad, he/she can obtain up to a 30-day leave once per year.
This request may be made after 8 months of active duty. A one-time free airline ticket is
also available. (Additionally, he or she may travel abroad during regular leave, in
accordance with military regulations and with the recommendation of the unit
commander. These requests should be made starting 2 months prior to actual requested
date of departure. Ultimately the commanding officer has the right to change dates
requested if necessary.
Special Leave
If your child encounters an urgent financial problem or exceptional personal problem,
you are able to submit a request for special leave. It is important to note that the total
number of special leave days shall not exceed 60 in a year of service, of which 30 will
only be available to eligible soldiers to visit parents abroad.
Personal Day (Yom Sidurim)
Every two months, a day of leave can be taken during the week. This leave will be
granted to your soldier by their commander according to circumstances and with the
recommendation of the Mashakit Tash (social worker) for the unit. This is to be a full
day, and not on a holiday or Friday.
Shabbat Departure
The latest a lone soldier should arrive at his/her home is 12:00 PM on a Friday or the day
before a holiday starts! Every lone soldier is entitled to this right and should ensure
he/she arrives at his/her home before 12:00 PM, and if this isn't happening, he/she
must request an earlier release from his/her base.
Soldier Leave during Parent Visit to Israel
A soldier whose parents live abroad is entitled to special days off in the event that at
least one of his parents arrives in Israel for a visit. A soldier is able to receive 4 days of
leave per half year and 8 days of leave per year. This leave does include Friday and
Saturday (i.e. a 4 day leave, if given, would be Thursday to Monday morning).
Ceremonies and Events
Making arrangements to come to your child’s ceremony:
In the course of a soldier’s service in the IDF there are several
ceremonies and events, pending on their specific unit.
The most common are the swearing in ceremony (for combat),
the end of their training course ceremony (2-4 months in for
those in many roles) the “Kumta” or Beret ceremony (for combat
roles). These are ceremonies that families are welcome to
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participate in and find the most memorable. These events are determined by the units
themselves, it is important to be in communication with you soldiers for times and dates
as they may change several times. It is suggested not to try to surprise your soldier as it
may backfire and you may miss the event! If you plan to fly out for a ceremony it is
important to know that occasionally ceremonies are closed or canceled due to bad
weather or security reasons and it in those cases you may not be able to attend.
Ensuring your child is Utilizing his/her Mashakit Tash
A Mashkit Tash is the equivalent of a social worker in the army. This soldier’s job is to
help care for social and financial concerns for all IDF soldiers. A Mashakit Tash is
assigned to every soldier in the army.
The Mashakit Tash is responsible for making sure soldiers receive their rights and
benefits from the army.
You can make the following requests through your Mashakit Tash:
• Receiving or renewing a Teudat Boded (Lone Soldier ID)
• Changing jobs (Tofes 55)
• Ma'anak (monetary grant from the army); one time every full service year
• Meyuchedet (travel abroad to visit parents or work)
• Permission to work
• Furniture for an apartment
• Ma'anak Bazak - A grant you can get without presenting any statements, up to 300
shekels twice every full service year.
• Halva'ah - A monetary loan from the army, up to 1,200 shekels each service year
• Mimun Kartis Tisa - The army will cover the cost of a flight ticket back home once in a
service
• Kitzur Sherut (shortening of military service, granted in special cases only)
• Assistance with moving apartments
Medical Services in the Army
In the event that your child needs medical care, below is a basic understanding of how it
works in the IDF.
Key Words:
chovesh= medic
chopel= chovesh ploogatee= a medic that is in charge of the medics of a given unit in the
IDF. He or she oversees the other medics and is in charge of the base infirmary and deals
directly with the unit doctor.
rofeh= doctor, each unit has a doctor assigned to it.
betim= on rest on the base.
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gimmelim= home rest.
bikur rofeh= each major city has an office that soldiers can go to in case they are sick
while at home.
Under normal circumstances when a soldier has a medical problem they inform the
medic. The medic can dress wounds, disperse aspirin and give a general evaluation. If
the issue is more serious he speaks with the chopel and if needed the chopel sets an
appointment with the unit doctor. If the issue can be resolved at that level the unit
doctor deals with the problem. If the issue needs the attention of a specialist the doctor
informs the chopel to enter the army’s medical system to set an appointment with a
specialist. The chopel can check to see where in Israel there is a doctor that can be seen.
He will usually check to see if the doctor is either
A) close to the base, B) close to the soldier’s home, C) how soon the doctor is available.
Based on the results from the specialist the soldier will either return to base, receive
betim, receive gimmelim, or be sent for further visits to other doctors.
Soldiers are NOT allowed to use non-army referred doctors, or the services of the
socialized medical locations that all Israelis use unless given direct permission. If your
soldier should go to a private doctor the army may decide not to accept the doctor’s
diagnosis. This is because they want to make sure that all medical advice is provided by
an army verified source.
In the case of a long recovery injury, the soldier may be assigned to the medical units
care (referred to as “Ram 2”), meaning they are removed from their unit, and will only
be reinstated after a panel of doctors (one or more depending on the injury) determine
the soldier is fit to return to duty. In the case that an injury requires a long term
recovery, the soldier may have his/her profile reduced. The soldier may either be
reassigned to his/her unit in a different capacity, or reassigned to another unit, or
released from the army all together.
Having said all this, there are often delays along the way, unit doctors may be hesitant
to send soldiers to other doctors until they determine that it is needed. If your soldier
has a consistent issue and or is in need of assistance during recovery please let the
Lone Soldier Center know and we will gets involved to assist. Again, there are times of
frustration during the process and that is why we offer help, advice, connections and
information needed. Should your soldier need to be hospitalized we ask again that you
let us know so that we can have someone visit and make sure that they are receiving the
attention needed.
Speaking to your lone soldier about
their experiences in the army
"How do I speak to my soldier about what they have been through, both good and... not
so good?"
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The first thing to know about speaking to your soldier is, "Listening". Your soldier is not
only going through a life changing experience learning to be a soldier but also adapting
to new surroundings and a multitude of different cultures and customs every day. Allow
your soldier to share his/her experiences by being active listeners. Ask questions that
allow them to do the majority of the speaking. What is a typical day like? What are your
commanders like? What do you feel you have learned the most from?
This will also help them to make "order" of what they have experienced. Many are
repeatedly challenged by Israeli soldiers with the question...Why did you come here?
Everyone goes through the challenges of wondering if they made the right decision in
coming to serve in the IDF, along with occasional bouts of missing home.
As a parent, I think it is our job, as a result of active listening to also continue to give
advice and direction. Even when not asked for, after all, that's what we are here for.
Your soldier needs to know that you "have their back" and will continue to help.
Some parents may not be thrilled by the fact that their children decided to serve in the
IDF, perhaps some even left school or jobs to be here. Parents, if they are now in
uniform, serving in the IDF, they need to know that you are willing to be part of this
experience.
During rough times... Post the war in Gaza.
The number one wrong question to ask, but the number one question that is asked
is..."did you shoot someone – did you get shot at". This is not the way to engage a
soldier in conversation about being in battle. Allow the soldier to offer his or her story
about the experience. They will choose the parts they want to share, and over time
more stories will be told. Having said all this, if you can observe anything that you feel is
not common to your soldiers "normal" behavior, do not hesitate to offer to bring in a
professional to help out. Even if it is a one time, third party, conversation. It is better to
be safe than sorry.
Finally, as a father, friend, and adviser to many soldiers, there are a few actions that are
the most important... a hug, pat on the back, smile, or simply saying I love you, or I care,
can make all the difference in the world. When I visit bases or do seminars for soldiers
that are about to draft or have already drafted I tell them that I want to share two words
that are not heard very often in the army...those are "thank you".
Thank you for doing what you are doing, because without you, Israel would not be here!
Fundraising for your Soldier’s Unit and Sending Packages
Every base has a military address that can be received by a soldier from their Mashakit
tash (social worker). That address can be used to send packages to your soldiers. My
suggestion is keeping it small and intimate or all the soldiers will be looking forward to
your packages. I have learned over the years that sometimes one or two items are more
appreciated with a note saying "thinking of you" than a case of something large.
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If you have friends or relatives here in Israel there is even a special shipping rate from
the post office that allows you to purchase specific boxes and whatever fits in the box
you can send for a single low rate, which is very reasonable. If you are coming to Israel
and have relatives or friends that live here, I suggest going to the post office and buying
a few boxes and packing them and then ask that your relatives/friends to send them
periodically to your soldiers (make sure the base address remains the same).
If you have doubt about sending something to your soldier’s home address then you can
have the item sent to one of our offices, either in Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv and we will hold
them until your soldier comes to pick them up. Please be aware that costly items will
have an import tax imposed, so sometimes it is better to buy the item in Israel rather
than shipping from abroad.
Should you choose to make a purchase for your soldier’s unit, whether it be for clothing
or supplies, please contact either myself or Josh after you have raised the funds. As we
have relationships with many companies here in Israel, often times we can arrange for
you a better price on these items. This will save you shipping, customs, taxes, and other
charges, and if you are here or wish for us to try to arrange a trip to your soldier’s base
to deliver the items that may be an option as well. Some of you have traveled with me
to your soldiers bases and this gave you the opportunity to not only meet the other
soldiers and commanders but to give the soldiers the items yourself.
Useful Terms
Command Hierarchy & Units:
Chayal – Soldier
MeFaKed - Commander
Mefaked Kita - Squad Commander (Commander of around 15 people)
Makim Mookdam – soldiers sent to the commander’s course early (these soldiers
are sent immediately after their initial training to become commanders)
Mem Mem - Mefaked Machlakah - Platoon Commanding Officer (usually a
lieutenant) (Commander of around 40 people)
Mem Pey - Mefaked Ploogah - Company Commander (usually a captain)
(Commander of around 120 people)
Cho’vesh - Medic
Rof’eh – Doctor
Mashakit Tash - Army Social Worker
Chir – Infantry
Gdood- Battalion
Shirion – Armor (tanks)
Tsanchanim- paratroopers
Tote-chanim – Artillery
Chel-avir – Air Force
Chel-ha’yam – Navy
Mo-dee-een – Intelligence
handasha kravi- Combat enginners
Miluim – Reserve Duty
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tekes kumta- Beret ceremony
Tekes hashba’ah- swearing in ceremony
On A Base:
Shin Gimmel - Sha’ar Gadol - entrance to base
Lisgor Babasis - “closing” on base – (term used when soldiers stay on base. If
youclose a Shabbat, it means you’re spending Shabbat on base)
Shmira - guard duty
Sh’at Tash - hour of preparation (free time) before bed
Gimilim- sick day(s) off from the army, (you are sent home for these days)
Betim - days confined to your bunk to recover from illness (you are on base for these
days)
Regila- vacation for a week, from the army
Mi-you-chedet - extended amount of time off from the army (usually granted to
lone soldiers)
Chafshash - time off from the army granted to a soldier who is almost done
his/herservice (still technically a soldier, but allowed to stay at home)
E-moon- training (usually associated with an entire brigade practicing together
Emun Choref- winter training
Emun Kayitz – summer training
Masa - a march done over many kilometers with gear, as part of training
Masa Kumta - final march of training, done to earn the beret of the specific unit
Looz - Luach Zmanim - agenda of daily activities
Ma-tzav Shtayim - plank pushup position (usually as a punishment)
Ohel Abach - tear gas tent used to train the effects of chemical warfare
Bochan Maslool - timed obstacle course done in basic training wearing full combat
gear
Matarah – target
Mitvachim - shooting ranges
Tazpit - lookout
Ma-arav – ambush
Siyur - driven patrol
Weapons & Uniform:
Neshek - weapon (generally a gun)
Pakal - specialization within a unit
Kalah – sharpshooter
Tsalaf - sniper
Magist - heavy machine gunner
Negevist - light machine gunner
Matol - grenade launcher
Rimon - grenade
Flanalit - gun cloth used to clean weapon
Kesher - radio
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Mem Koof - army radio
Kadoorim - bullets
Tarmilim - bullet casings
Machsanit - magazine of bullets
Ey-fode – combat vest
Kazdah - helmet
Ri-tsoo-ah - strap (commonly gun strap)
Choger - army I.D.
Diskit (diskiot) - dog tags
Madim – uniform
Ma-de Aleph - dress uniform (worn during ceremonies or when leaving the base)
Ma-de Bet - work uniform used for daily life on base
Galchatz - boot polish
Leshaftser (Shift-tsoorim) - to modify (modifications made to standard issue
equipment to make it easier to wear, or easier to operate a weapon)
Manoat Krav - army field ration
Nagmash – APC (armored vehicle)
Aloonkah - stretcher
Michael Levin 1984 – 2006
Michael Levin made Aliyah from Philadelphia in 2002 and joined the Paratroopers. In
the summer of 2006, Michael was given leave to visit his family in the US. Two weeks
into his trip, war broke out on Israel’s northern border when Hizbollah ambushed an
IDF patrol, killing five reservists and kidnapping Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev
while wounded. When Israel crossed the border in an attempt to rescue them,
Hizbollah began its assault on Israel, launching thousands of rockets at the
communities of nothern Israel.
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Michael immediately cut short his vacation and flew back to Israel to serve with his
unit. He fought to receive permission to be sent to the north to rejoin his unit. When
Michael arrived, his unit was sent to the Hizbollah village of Aita al-Shaab. It was to
this Hizbollah stronghold that Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev had been taken two
weeks earlier. On Tuesday, August 1, Michael’s unit moved forward and began an
intense fire-fight with Hizbollah forces inside the village of Aita al-Shaab. Michael
Levin was 21 years old when he fell fighting for the country he loved.
His memory and courage live on in the thousands of lone soldiers who continue
down the path Michael set – to make Aliyah, to serve in the IDF, and to build a life
in the land of Israel.
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