1. “The courses we took in the
pre-discharge seminar were
great. They even taught us
how to write our resumes
in Hebrew and interview
for jobs. Afterward, I was all
psyched to be released.”
- Ari Blatt, discharged combat soldier
Printed at the Jewish Agency
www.jewishagency.org PARTNERING WITH PURPOSE, ALL OVER THE WORLD.
The Jewish Agency is funded by The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, major Jewish communities and
“Wings” – Preparing Lone Immigrant
Soldiers for Civilian Life
federations, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world.

2. “Wings” – Preparing Lone Immigrant Soldiers for Civilian Life
From Lone Soldier
Motivated, idealistic Jewish young adults from
around the world choose to leave their families and
They participate in workshops on job market trends
and higher education opportunities, and develop
to Proud Citizen
their homes to serve in the Israel Defense Forces personal and interpersonal skills that help them in
(IDF) and start a new life in Israel. Many do not speak their job search. For the 700 lone immigrant
Hebrew, are not familiar with Israeli culture and have soldiers who are discharged
no support system in their new country. After the course, each soldier receives career
counseling and testing, financial advice, personal annually from the IDF, the
Upon discharge from the army, these soldiers have guidance and counseling sessions, and follow-up
no families to return to. They must immediately find and support from Rotary Club members. difficult transition to civilian life
a place to live, decide on a higher education or career is exacerbated by their lack of a
path and find a job to support themselves. The Wings program provides every lone combat
soldier with an immediate “Landing On Their Feet” support system and knowledge
The multi-faceted Wings program, a joint initiative of grant of $500. This assists them with their initial about living in Israel. The “Wings”
the Jewish Agency and the Merage Foundation, gives living expenses until they receive their discharge
these lone immigrant soldiers support and guidance grant from the army. program provides essential support
before and immediately after they are discharged. and guidance for these soldiers to
In a recent evaluation of the program, 83% of the
Through a five-day pre-discharge seminar, soldiers participants said that they felt less confusion and lack begin their adult life in Israel.
learn about their civilian entitlements, including of direction after they completed the seminar and
national insurance payments, medical insurance, received individual guidance and counseling.
taxes and college scholarships for new immigrants.