The term Lone Soldier refers to an individual serving in the IDF without family support in Israel. The Lone Soldier population is comprised of new immigrants and volunteers from abroad as well as Israeli Lone Soldier who may be orphans, come from extremely low socio-economic backgrounds or for various reasons have no contact with their families in Israel.
There are roughly 7,000 Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF today. Approximately half are from abroad and half are Israeli Lone Soldiers. These soldiers are counted among the most dedicated and exemplary in the field, but when they are away from base, many struggle with basic needs that a family would normally provide, whether it is clean laundry, a hot meal, or simply someone to offer advice and a hug.