Every year, thousands of men and women join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as "lone soldiers"—meaning, as immigrants who don't have family in Israel. Through Wings, The Jewish Agency, together with our incredible partners, the Merage Foundation and Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), offers support services for these soldiers as well as an environment where they can make friends, adjust to life in Israel, gain career-advancing skills, and seek counsel when making important life choices—essentially, the safety net they so deserve.
Wings also prepares soldiers for life after discharge and stays with them for up to two years—the only program of its kind to do so. Newly-released IDF veterans receive career diagnostic testing and counseling, and assistance in securing housing, planning their finances, and applying to colleges. They get everything they need to become confident, active citizens.
