Zionism :

Thousands of lone soldiers volunteer each year to serve in the IDF to protect us - let’s help protect them.

Giving

500 discharged lone soldiers volunteer as Big Brothers and Sisters for other lone soldiers – let’s help support them. ‏

Family

Become family for the lone soldiers at a time when they need it most.‏

The Big Brother Organization for Lone Soldiers

Ach Gadol is not about what we are but about who we are.
Over 14 years ago, we started a unique social initiative that aimed to provide support and guidance for young individuals trying to integrate into Israeli society on their own. We created a safe haven for this unique community and called it Ach Gadol.

An Ach Gadol – or Big Brother/Sister – is a volunteer who was once a lone soldier within their military service. Volunteers can reflect on personal experiences to provide each lone soldier with resilience, cultural competence, accessible information on how to exercise rights and most importantly, emotional support.

We embarked on this journey with 15 volunteers. Today we are going strong with over 500 volunteers. We provide ongoing support for over 1500 lone soldiers year round, and we prepare about 500 young individuals ahead of their military service each year.

Ach Gadol is the only lone soldier organization that utilizes a one-to-one mentorship structure, such that each individual soldier receives the undivided attention of their older brother or sister

The Organization’s Activity in Numbers

Hours of Volunteer Work

Lone Soldiers

Volunteers

Countries of Origin

Years of Activity

President’s Award

What is a Big Brother?

They talk about it better than us

“An Ach Gadol is someone to look up to, someone to talk to if you need help or advice, someone who was in the same situation as you just recently. He helps me with all my problems and takes care of everything I need, whether it’s Shabbat dinner or Sukkot or military advice, I know he’s someone who will want to help me at any time. I am very happy to have joined the Ach Gadol community.”
Jackie And Elinoam

“Ach Gadol for me is a support system. Someone who is there to help me personally, someone to turn to when I need it. Whenever I felt like I needed someone or something, my Achot Gdola was there to help me with anything I needed, no matter what.”

Michaela and Faigy

“Elisha always helps me with everything, explains everything to me, encourages me, comes to my ceremonies, and so much more. I feel like he is part of my family already, like a real brother.”
Nikita and Elisha

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More about lone soldiers

There are currently 6,400 soldiers serving in the IDF who hold the status of a lone soldier. This population is split into two segments both lacking immediate familial ties: immigrants and native-born soldiers. Both types of soldiers eventually encounter differences in culture, education, economic status, and above all, face a lack of support from a nuclear family unit.

This sense of loneliness and the daily struggle to survive, can weaken a soldier’s resilience and divert their attention from their military missions. Young individuals that lack a strong support system can easily deteriorate into a negative lifestyle that leads many soldiers to end their military service prematurely or return to their country of origin.

The IDF and the United for Israel’s Soldiers Association (UFIS) actively support soldiers in terms of welfare, financial benefits, housing arrangements and additional benefits such as funding flights to visit parents in their country of origin. Soldiers are also provided with rights to
take days off to run errands, spend time with visiting parents and more. The Big Brother Association has been working alongside the IDF and UFIS as the only organization that provides each soldier with personal accompaniment and 1:1 guidance.

Partners

What's New: Updates and Media Mentions

We Didn’t See This Coming ...

290lone soldiers at the start of their IDF journey signed up in just one day to receive an Ach Gadol

We’ve got a lot of work ahead. Want to help us? Click the link – https://bit.ly/3crQ9PL

Channel 12: The Challenges of Lone Reservists - Ach HaGadol

Transforming the lives of lone reservists!
In Israel, there are lone soldiers not only serving in active duty but also in the reserves. These heroes serve without the close family support that many rely on during difficult times.
Unfortunately, today, the 13,000 lone reservists in Israel are not formally recognized by law. This lack of recognition leaves them without essential rights and the critical support they need.

This week, Daniel Aharon, CEO of Ach HaGadol, and Daniel Ayb, a former lone soldier who now serves in the reserves, appeared on Channel 12 News. They discussed with Adva Dadon the urgent need for formal recognition of these individuals who selflessly put their lives on hold to serve once again.
Together with the Forum of Organizations for Lone Soldiers, we are working tirelessly to advocate for policy changes, secure official recognition for lone reservists, and provide them with the support, rights, and resources they deserve.

The Top Ten !

We’re proud to be among the top 10 organizations in “Igul LeTova” and grateful to everyone who chooses to round up for lone soldiers. Thanks to you, we’re here

Join us and contribute an average of just 5 shekels a month to support lone soldiers

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עמוד הבית – English