VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Personal Accompaniment of Lone Soldiers
Personal accompaniment of lone soldiers is central to Ach Gadol’s
activities. As part of the program, our volunteers are in ongoing contact with a lone soldier, helping them access information, provide guidance and support both emotionally and socially.
If you were a lone soldier and you’d like to give back – this is your place.
Mentorship of Discharged Soldiers - Big Brother/Sister for the Journey
Some discharged soldiers need help reaching their full potential after they are discharged. One of Ach Gadol’s most fascinating volunteer options is accompanying discharged soldiers using professional training methods and mentoring tools. Do you have training experience? Write to us!
Adopt a Lone Soldiers
Want to join and take part in accompanying lone soldiers? You can adopt a lone soldier by making a donation. Your donation will give you the
opportunity while giving us the privilege to support an additional lone soldier, ensuring that they are given the support they need. So how many
lone soldiers would you like to adopt?
Equipment Donation
Lone soldiers frequently move from apartment to apartment. You can give them a helping hand by donating furniture and electronic equipment. If you’d like to donate equipment, please click here.
Host a Lone Soldier for the Holidays
Lone soldiers usually have plans for holidays, either through the Tzahalit framework or with families they knew from before their enlistment. There are still a number of lone soldiers left looking for a warm family experience during the holidays. Talk to us!
Your donation can help an additional lone soldier
Ach Gadol in Numbers
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WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE TO SAY
Anya
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Role in the IDF: Control Center at the Maritime Border, Yamit
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 1
Current Occupation: Student at the University of Tel Aviv
I had a wonderful Big Sister, and, despite our geographic distance, we are still in touch. She gave me a lot of support while I was in the army and helped me get through my service successfully, so it’s natural that I want to do as she did and volunteer to help other lone soldiers. My Big Sister had a volunteer during her army service who also had a Big Sister, making my soldiers, in effect, fifth generation recipients of giving! It is exciting and moving!
Sebastian
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Role in the IDF: Combat Soldier in Counter-Terrorism Unit
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 3
Current Occupation: Music Student
I first became familiar with Ach Gadol during my basic training in the Kfir Brigade. I knew right away that I wanted a Big Brother and was fortunate to have David accompany me from the beginning of my training until my discharge. During that period, I had many questions about how the army operates and how to become acclimated to Israeli society. David was able to motivate me, giving me strength during the time that I needed it. As a result, today I manage all the volunteers in Haifa and the North – I know it’s the right thing to do.
Hillel
Country of Origin: Mexico
Role in the IDF: Instructor’s Course, Electronics Unit
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 4
Current Occupation: IT Team Manager
I had a wonderful Big Sister from Canada who helped me with absolutely everything. As a result, I also wanted to volunteer for the organization, and it’s become a way of life. I’ve had the privilege to help other lone soldiers like myself at the time and place when they need it most. It gives me great satisfaction! I hope that my soldiers will also volunteer at Ach Gadol after their discharge from the army.
Elisha
Country of Origin: France
Role in the IDF: Combat Soldier in the Paratroopers
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 1
Current Occupation: Student at the Hebrew University
I had and will always have a Big Sister named Sivan who helped me tremendously during my army service with everything I needed. Her support was so significant for me that I don’t think I could’ve made it through my service without her. So, it’s important to me to continue and to be part of this Ach Gadol family, sharing my experience with other lone soldiers.
Madeline
Country of Origin: Bolivia
Role in the IDF: Operations Sergeant in a Control Center
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 3
Current Occupation: Engineer
I had an awesome Big Sister who served as a Personal Welfare Officer in the army. She always knew how to help me, explained my rights as a lone soldier, and instructed me how to best attain them. Today, it’s great fun to be a volunteer like she is and to help other lone soldiers. I’m especially excited and moved when I’m able to help other soldiers like myself from South America.
Yehudit
Country of Origin: United States
Role in the IDF: Commander in the Navy
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 2
Current Occupation: Student
When I first drafted into the army, I didn’t know many people who were able to help me navigate life as a lone soldier. Yael, my Big Sister, went above and beyond, helping me through basic training, assisting with my move to a new apartment, joining my army ceremonies, hosting me at Shabbat meals, and countless other things. To date, I’ve escorted 5 lone soldiers and they are all amazing! I gained so much from Ach Gadol – as a “little sister” and as a Big Sister!
Daniel
Country of Origin: United States
Role in the IDF: Combat Soldier in the Paratroopers
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 8
Current Occupation: Business Developer
I was among the first soldiers to receive a Big Sister. Mine was a combat soldier in Magav, and I felt from the first conversation that I had a sympathetic ear and someone who really cared about what I was going through. I had someone to turn to – both in good times and also when I experienced the problems of a lone soldier. Since my discharge, I’ve become a Big Brother, and I enjoy every minute, knowing that I’m able to help someone so significantly.
Yagur
Country of Origin: Russia
Role in the IDF: Medic
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 2
Current Occupation: Computer Science Student
Dima, my Big Brother, helped me understand how everything works, and, thanks to him, I didn’t feel alone. From the first moment, I felt his warmth toward me, and he gave me the feeling that I wasn’t an “accompanied” soldier but that we are one family. There is no doubt that he served as a role model, and, while I was still a lone soldier, I decided that I would give of myself and help other lone soldiers like myself feel that they’re not alone. For me, it’s not about volunteering- it’s part of my life.
Jonas
Country of Origin: France
Role in the IDF: Field Logistics and Communication
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 2
Current Occupation: Computer Science Student
In the first months of preparation for the army, I heard about Ach Gadol from a volunteer named Benaya. He connected with me and always tried to help me throughout my army service. Benaya inspired me to become a volunteer. I believe that the organization gives tremendous motivation to lone soldiers during their army service. Ach Gadol is the address for lone soldiers who need assistance before, during, and after their service.
Shmuel
Country of Origin: Israel (formerly Ultra-Orthodox)
Role in the IDF: Medic in the Artillery Unit
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 3
Current Occupation: Electrical Engineering Student
Anyone who knows me knows how connected I am to Ach Gadol in my heart and soul. Shai, my Big Brother, was a huge support during my army service and a source of knowledge. He even helped me choose my field of study in university. Today I am a Big Brother for a lone soldier named Yochai, and I’m closing the circle. Only a discharged lone soldier can understand what a lone soldier goes through and exactly what he/she needs.
Yaakov
Country of Origin: Colombia
Role in the IDF: Artillery
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 4
Current Occupation: Chemical Engineering Student at Ben Gurion University
All of the volunteers at Ach Gadol are former lone soldiers. Why? Because as a result of their personal experience as lone soldiers they’re able to fully understand how a lone soldier copes. In the course of my volunteer work, I had the privilege to accompany lone soldiers who were experiencing very serious problems. Fortunately, we were always able to find a solution to the obstacles they faced. In my opinion, Ach Gadol provides the guidance and embrace that lone soldiers so sorely lack.
Stesia
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Role in the IDF: Military Police
Years of Volunteer Service at Ach Gadol: 1
Current Occupation: Student at Preparatory Program for New Immigrants
Ach Gadol accompanied me even before the army. I never felt alone or uncertain – I always knew I had a family here who was concerned about me and would take care of me even during the most difficult moments. So, after my discharge, I realized how important it is to pass the experience on, and today I, myself, am a Big Sister for two amazing soldiers!
The Organization’s Activity in Numbers
The Organization’s Activity in Numbers
