The Jerusalem Post Features MFI’s Lone Soldier Program
The Merage Foundation Israel in collaboration with the Jewish Agency and other partners provides a holistic framework for lone soldier olim in their transition to civilian life.
Lone soldiers immigrating to Israel to serve this country deserve a support system from their arrival until their transition into civilian life, Hila Soleimani, project manager of the Wings program recently told The Jerusalem Post.
Wings was established in 2005 by the Merage Foundation Israel and the Jewish Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Chaim Saban, and other organizations. The program aims to provide young, new immigrants who make Aliyah on their own, a holistic framework to integrate into Israeli society. From preparation for enlistment in the IDF, throughout service, and following discharge, participants receive career guidance, emotional support, and financial coaching.
We really aim to provide an envelope for the lone soldier olim, to hug them, grow with them and provide them with Wings every year,” said Soleimani. “We want to be there for the youth at the most challenging times and especially during their transition into civilian life.
“Their personal skills are particularly high, but the preoccupation with daily survival hinders them and prevents the realization of their abilities. Happily, David Merage was involved with all his heart from the very beginning and the program was established, operating very professionally and providing a solution while also supporting many thousands,” said Mira Keidar, founder of Wings.
