What is the Lone Soldiers Program?

“The Lone Soldiers Program was founded to be the address for all lone soldiers from all over the world, from before their draft, throughout their service, and of course after their release. We also support North American lone soldiers throughout their Aliyah process. That is technically what we do but my team and I serve them with all our heart. We want them to succeed and to stay in Israel. Being a lone soldier and serving our country is something you really need to want, but it’s not easy. It is our job to give them as much support during this most challenging time so that the soldiers don’t feel alone.

What do you love most about working with Lone Soldiers and Olim?

These young women and men aged 18-22 stop their lives at a time their peers are normally partying, going to college, or starting their careers. They leave their family to come to Israel to be part of the Jewish nation to protect us and serve their country and allow us citizens to sleep safely at night. This is an amazing virtue. They are brave and motivated. This is incredible to me.

As an Israeli who knows the system, I am proud to give them the support and place they need, and to help them through the Israeli bureaucracy and give them direction, so they have a great Aliyah experience and a significant service, stay in Israel and put down roots, for the good of the State of Israel.

What does Zionism mean to you?

I was born and raised in Israel, in Ramat Hasharon. My father worked for the Prime Minister’s office and my family went on Shlichut a lot. I was raised on Zionism. Love of the land, Ahavat Haaretz, and how can we contribute to our country was a top priority. I was raised by a generation of Zionists who built this country and I am thrilled to have the privilege, zechut, to give back in this way. I was a Shlichat Aliyah (government emissary of Aliyah) in New York until I joined NBN as Advocacy Director to support Olim through Israeli bureaucracy. Nothing else gives me as much satisfaction, Sipuk, than knowing I can influence the lives of new immigrants and change their Aliyah experience into something positive. Every day I can say I do something good for someone else and I wake up with a smile. Every success story makes me proud, from the Olim who are winning awards like Bonei Zion, or the ones who are getting married and growing families, finding their dream job, etc. These are the success stories, Sipurey Hatzlacha.

Lone Soldiers and Olim are real Zionists. I love their motivation, I love their dreams. Every new recruit wants to be in Sayeret Matkal! They really come here to contribute to Israel. I love that many come without any Hebrew and after a few months I can’t believe it’s the same person- they have Israeli friends, they are integrating. They speak army slang like they were always Israeli.

What is the best Aliyah or Army advice you can give?

My best advice for both Olim and lone soldiers is: come with a positive attitude. It sounds simple, but it’s a mindset. Recognize that it’s a process and have realistic expectations. Not everyone will be in Sayeret Matkal or become a pilot, but you can contribute in so many satisfying ways. If your expectations are too high you might suffer a fall. Know that there are ups and downs and you will be frustrated. On the really hard days, always remember why you are here: you wanted to give to your country and do something significant with your life. This will carry you through. Remember your values and why you made Aliyah in the first place. Write them down. And don’t forget, the LSP team is always here for you! Reach out to us.

What has been the biggest surprise for you about working with Lone Soldiers and Olim?

I have met a few Chayalim Bodedim whose parents were unhappy with their decision to make Aliyah and join the IDF. One that comes to mind insisted that despite everything, even the threat of being cut off from his family, he would join the IDF. He was placed in Golani and finished with honors and went to the Commanders course and I am like a proud mother. When he finished the course, his mother actually came to see him. It was very emotional.

What has been your proudest moment in your position?

I am proud of these soldiers and I am so proud of my staff and what we are able to accomplish, like Yom Siddurim. We just did one for 2,000 lone soldiers! It is a full-day Aliyah expo where all of the government and municipal offices came for the love the Chayalim Bodedim. They assisted them in cutting through a lot of bureaucracy, solved many issues, and helped them take care of things they aren’t able or don’t have time to do on their own. To be able to serve and assist these soldiers warms the heart. It was awesome, beyond imagination, really something I never dreamed possible. The Prime Minister and many other dignitaries and ministers attend because Israelis are proud of their soldiers and being a lone soldier is the most patriotic you can be, so we support them. We have a special place in our hearts for them. Lone soldiers represent Israel in the best way.

What does Aliyah mean to you?

I am always blown away by Olim. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to do it! Aliyah is home, it is Israel. It is not just moving; you change your entire world to something better. It’s bringing yourself to the place you belong, where your children will grow up Israeli because you feel part of Am Yisrael. It takes lots of courage and a passion for Zionism and I am proud to assist in the process.”

Noya Govrin 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.