OUR TEAM
The Lone Soldiers Program provides guidance, support, and care for all Olim Lone Soldiers. Our holistic approach will guide you throughout thre process – from before your draft, throughout your service, and of course after your release. Our team consists of knowledgeable and experienced advisors with influence with the government, including an employee who sits within the IDF.
Noya was born in Israel and lives in Har Adar with her partner and three children. She holds a B.A. in Social Work from the Hebrew University, as well as a Masters in Labor Studies from Tel Aviv University. Noya has been with Nefesh B’Nefesh for the past 15 years, and has been the director of the Lone Soldiers Program since its’ onset in 2012.
Lt. Colonel Avi Ziv has been with the Lone Soldiers Program since its onset in 2012. Avi holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with an M.A. in both Military and Security Studies and Law. Throughout his 26 years serving in the IDF, Avi has held positions in many different fields including Commander of the Enlistment Office, Tel Hashomer.
Born and raised in Israel, Hila served as an Officer in both the Intelligence and Resource Allocation units of the IDF in Meitav. With a B.A in Criminology and a Masters in Law Hila now helps Lone Soldiers draft directly into the IDF.
Born in Freiburg, Germany, Josh moved to Israel in 2013 and enlisted in the IDF where he served in the Golani Infantry Brigade. Joshua served at the Northern border, Judea and Samaria and during operation Protective Edge (2014) at the Gaza Front. He was selected for and completed the commanders course, leaving the active Army with the rank of Sergeant. He continues to serve in the IDF Army Reserves.
Josh holds a Bachelors of Arts in Government with a focus on International Relations and Middle East Studies from IDC Herzliya and a Masters of Arts in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. Josh holds a Bachelors of Arts in Government with a focus on International Relations and Middle East Studies from IDC Herzliya. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Security and Diplomacy at Tel Aviv University
Josh holds a Bachelors of Arts in Government with a focus on International Relations and Middle East Studies from IDC Herzliya and a Masters of Arts in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. Josh holds a Bachelors of Arts in Government with a focus on International Relations and Middle East Studies from IDC Herzliya. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Security and Diplomacy at Tel Aviv University
Ben made Aliyah from Portland, Oregon in 2013, and enlisted in the IDF shortly after. Serving as a Lone Soldier in the Totchanim Artillery Corps for three years, Ben saw action in operation Protective Edge. After completing his mandatory service, Ben received his undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Geography from Bar-Ilan University. While also a commercial pilot, musician, husband and father of two, Ben loves being able to give back to the Lone Soldier community in every way he can.
Sam was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She made Aliyah in 2018 after graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Social Work and a B.A. in Jewish Studies. Sam served at the Erez Crossing as the Assistant to the Gaza Strip Supply Coordinator for two years in the COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) unit.
Seva made Aliyah from Baku, Azerbaijan, with the Naaleh youth program of the Jewish Agency. After finishing school in Herzlia Atid Raziel, she enlisted in the IDF as a Tazpitanit in the 636th Nitzan Field Intelligence Battalion. Seva studied BA in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy at Reichman University. Seva is part of the ELI(Educational Leaders Institute) project team, which supports and conducts non-formal Jewish education for young people in Jewish communities in the CIS countries.
Olga came to Israel in 2016 within the Masa program from Dnipro, Ukraine. She enlisted in the IDF as a Madrichat Sar-El – her role included escorting, guiding, and directing the civilian volunteers coming from abroad during their activity in the bases around the country. As well as before Aliyah she took an active part in the Jewish Community life and worked in the international Projects, also after Aliyah Olga continues working and helping Olim Community in Israel and abroad.
Born and raised in Strasbourg (France), Elie made Aliyah in 2000 through the Hesder program in the Yeshiva of Hekhal Elyahou. He then served as a medic in the Judea and Samaria area during operation “Defensive Shield”. After a few years of working in the pharmaceutical industry, Elie decided to devote himself to non-formal education by working with young Olim from France. Today Elie lives in Efrat with his wife and six children.
Federico was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay. In 2014, he made Aliyah at the age of 26. After making aliyah, Federico was drafted to Michve Alon and eventually to the Nahal Brigade where he served for a year and a half as a combat soldier in Gdud 932. He holds a B.A. in Government Diplomacy and Strategy from Reichman University.
Disclaimer:
The role of Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners is to assist new immigrants to Israel who are drafted to the IDF. It is not the objective, or part of the scope of operational activities of the organization or its partners to help recruit soldiers for the Israel Defense Forces.