THE LONE SOLDIERS

Israel is a small, family-oriented society and army service is often extremely difficult, dangerous and stressful. The IDF tries to allow its soldiers to have home leave as often as possible – usually every other weekend. Israeli parents are known to spoil their soldier children – providing good meals, family gatherings, home-baked goodies, laundry service and all the comforts of home, plus whatever luxuries they can afford – each time they return from the base or the battlefield.

THE PROJECT

The Youth Village builded a residence for its lone soldiers which will provide the soldiers with all the comforts which they enjoyed as students at the Village – their own bedroom with private bath, warm meals (and a kitchen in which they can prepare their own meals, should they choose), laundry facilities, a caring staff person and a welcoming peer group. They will, therefore, be able to concentrate their energies on dealing with army life without the worries of “survival” when on leave.
Army leave will be a time of relaxation and unwinding – without all the problems and challenges of independent living. While they strive to serve their country, the soldier can remain within the Village family and still feel a part of, what has been for many, their first and only home in Israel.

THE BUILDING

The construction is completed with the help of donations, an additional floor on an existing dormitory building with a separate entrance. This addition of 375 square meters will include 10-12 living units with adjoining bathroom, a lobby/lounge, staff room/sealed security room, kitchenette and laundry room.