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.‏

Ach Gadol Association – Recipient of the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Award 2025

Thanks to your generous support, during this time of war we have been able to provide critical assistance to lone soldiers and lone reservists, including:

• Advancing legislation in the Knesset and achieving official recognition of the status of lone reservists in the IDF

• Providing significant financial assistance to 600 combat soldiers

• Offering ongoing one-on-one psychological support for active-duty soldiers and reservists

• Commemorating lone soldiers who fell in both regular service and reserve duty

• Distributing 70 laptop computers to lone soldiers, generously donated by Amdocs

• Assisting with the funding of flights for reservists to reunite with their families

• Providing dedicated medical care for lone female soldiers, including immediate access to a private gynecologist, in memory of Libby Cohen Megory z”l

This impact is only possible because of your partnership and trust.

Thank you for standing with us and with Israel’s lone soldiers.

What's New: Updates and Media Mentions

What you are doing—changing the world

06.01.2026 No Comments

Ach Gadol Association was awarded the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Award in recognition of 16 years of impactful work supporting young immigrants and lone soldiers. In a moving ceremony at the President’s Residence, the values of connection, personal mentorship, and social change—beginning with one human bond—were powerfully highlighted “These were the words of Miriam Peretz, Chair of the committee that selected Ach Gadol as the recipient of the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Award. One sentence that captures 16 years of action, perseverance, and belief in people. Recognition that comes from the heart This award belongs to the hundreds of volunteers, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the young people who made aliyah and chose to believe, to stay, and to make Israel their home. Each and every one of them is the true story behind this recognition. A moment that is both moving and binding Receiving the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Award in the presence of

Believe in yourselves and be number one in everything you do

On the fifth night of Hanukkah, we celebrated a truly moving evening at the home of the President of Ach Gadol and a hero of Israel, Mr. Moshe Levy.
It was an evening filled with light, connection, and inspiration—for the soldiers, the volunteers, and all of us as one strong community.

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An evening of warmth and celebration
We were welcomed with heartfelt hospitality, including Thai ice cream, sufganiyot, and touching gifts from the children of Tzahala that warmed everyone’s hearts.
For one special moment, Moshe’s home became a home for all of us—especially for those serving far from their own families.

Honoring those who choose to do good
During the evening, we presented special awards to four volunteers who left a meaningful mark on the organization’s work this year.
Individuals who choose, time and again, to be there for lone soldiers—with sensitivity, dedication, and open hearts.

Inspiration from the heart
The highlight of the evening was Moshe Levy’s words, spoken directly to the soldiers from the heart—about the importance of military service, the meaning of the State of Israel, and the choice to live here, in this land, especially now.
Simple words, spoken with strength, that went straight to the heart.

A story of heroism and values
We then watched a film telling Moshe’s life story—his heroism during the Yom Kippur War and a life philosophy rooted in Zionism, giving, and excellence.
A story that reminds us all what true heroism is, and which values guide us forward.

A light that stays with you
We all left this evening inspired, deeply connected, and filled with a sense of purpose.

The fifth candle of Hanukkah—
marked by heroes.

Celebrating bar and bat mitzvahs together for lone soldiers

In the presence of the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, we closed a moving circle together with 100 soldiers from the Nativ program and dear partners, as we came to celebrate the Bar and Bat Mitzvah of 13 incredible lone soldiers.
Many lone soldiers undergo the process of conversion during their military service, and we are here to accompany them through every step — both the big and small moments of this journey.
And when they complete this complex path – they deserve for us to celebrate with them, to surround them with a warm and loving Israeli embrace.

The Organization’s Activity in Numbers

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Lone Soldiers

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Volunteers

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Countries of Origin

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President’s Award

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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.

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