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Lone Immigrant Soldiers: Supporting lone soldiers after service

Every year, around 1,300 lone soldiers, who have flown to Israel without their families to serve in the IDF, complete their service. They volunteered to defend Israel out of deep conviction, but when their service ends, for many, the hardest chapter is just beginning. Unlike their Israeli peers, they have no parents or local support to help with housing, work, or emotional recovery.

Keren Hayesod-UIA, in partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel, ensures that these young people are not alone. Through practical grants, coaching, and community programs, we support their next steps and help them build a life in Israel after their service.

Help us to be their family after service.

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Support starts early

Our support begins before discharge. The Wings Program runs seminars that prepare lone soldiers for civilian life. They learn how to navigate housing, finances, and employment with coaching from mentors who have been through the same journey. Emotional wellbeing and resilience are also a core focus, helping participants feel equipped for their next chapter.

Landing on their feet

Once they leave the army, Wings provides release grants so lone soldiers can cover rent, buy essentials, or pay for education. These small interventions make a major difference in helping them feel secure and supported. Many begin their studies or start new jobs thanks to the foundation Wings provides.

Building a future

The Wings Alumni Network offers more than just financial support. It creates a community. Through group trips, cultural events, short courses, and career workshops, recently released soldiers meet others in the same situation. The network helps break isolation, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging.

Family, even from afar

In 2024, Wings flew in parents for IDF graduation ceremonies and holiday visits. For lone soldiers who rarely see their families, these reunions mean everything. When soldiers are injured, our social worker visits them in hospital, often providing the only friendly face they see. Wings also commemorates lone soldiers lost in the line of duty with dedicated memorials and ceremonies, ensuring their stories are heard and honoured.

The impact:

Wings is more than a program. It’s a safety net, a launchpad, and a second family for those who have left their homes to serve Israel.

1,300

lone soldiers supported annually

97%

of participants transition to work or study within six months

X

injured soldiers supported in 2024

X

family members flown in for graduation ceremonies in 2024

X

grants are provided to lone soldiers each year

Wings gave me the tools to manage life after the army. I’m working, I have a community, and I know I’m not alone.

Sergey

former lone soldier from Ukraine

When I got injured, I had no one in Israel. The Wings team showed up at the hospital and helped with everything. It meant the world.

Tomer

lone soldier from Brazil

Growing up in Australia, I always saw myself moving to Israel to serve in the IDF. The problem is, I never saw anything beyond that. Luckily UIA’s wings program was there to light up the path forward for me from service to study and beyond.

Daniel

from Australia

Give what you can to those who have given up everything to protect our homeland.