The Wings Program is managed by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Merage Foundation.
Visit our website: www.wings.org.il Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wingsidf Call: 1-800-303040
Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld, IDF Spokesperson’s Unit Passion and ideology drive young people from all over the world to make Aliyah and join the Israel Defense Forces. Each year, approximately 3,000 of these new immigrants serve in the IDF as lone soldiers.
The Wings program ensures these courageous, young individuals do not “fall through the cracks” of Israeli society due to a lack of resources and community support. WINGS
Serves more than 700 lone soldiers annually Operates 12 workshop cycles each year 72% of past participants reported that Wings helped them manage challenges of education, finance, employment, and legal rights 88% believe their life is on the right track 90% plan to live in Israel after their service 97% of past participants would recommend the Wings program to other lone soldiers
Through participation in the Wings Program, young immigrants are empowered to embrace Israeli society as independent and contributing members, while affirming their decision to live in Israel permanently. From the time of its inception, the Wings Program has evolved and changed to meet the needs of young immigrant populations. Today, Wings provides new immigrants with a continuum of services from the time they first arrive in Israel until two years after their release from the IDF.
UPON ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL
The Wings Guidance Center is available to young lone immigrants ages 17- 35. Recognizing every immigrant’s path is different, the Guidance Center provides advice, treatment, and support. Activities include: Group workshops built to meet the needs of specific immigrant groups on topics such as social integration, employment, finance, and personal empowerment. Personal advisors assigned to young immigrants to provide individualized guidance when necessary. Preparation for enlistment including information and skills development for a successful integration into the IDF. DURING SERVICE IN THE IDF
Aid provided by Wings to lone soldiers during their army service is in full coordination with the IDF. The services include:
• Financial assistance for lone soldiers who are sick or hospitalized and therefore temporarily released from army service with a medical profile of 24. • Emergency intervention during war time: Locating lone immigrant soldiers who have been injured in order to visit with them, give them immediate financial assistance, and bring their family members to Israel. • Financial aid following a crisis: stolen items/house fire/unplanned move due to extraordinary circumstances/unjustified claims • Advocacy and assitance in utilizing rights and benefits as a lone soldier in the IDF and in civil institutions. • Support and personal guidance through matching lone soldiers with mentors. • Parental support: providing support and explanations for parents who reside abroad. TRANSITION FROM SOLDIER TO CIVILIAN
The Wings Program facilitates a supportive, safe beginning in Israel for lone soldiers being discharged from the IDF. It is based on a systematic mentoring program that begins three months prior to discharge and continues for approximately two years after. The program is comprised of six major parts: 1. 5-day Workshop - Lone soldiers attend the workshop about 3 months prior to their release from the IDF. The workshop includes lectures and open conversations on topics such as lone soldiers’ rights and benefits as new immigrants, social security, taxes, employment, and much more. 2. Professional Guidance - Each lone soldier receives individualized guidance through meetings with a professional advisor. 3. Diagnostic Testing – Diagnostic testing is provided to each lone soldier. The results of this testing along with the guidance from a personal advisor comprise the basis for decisions in academic and career choice. 4. Resume Building – With the help of an advisor, each participant enters civilian life with a Hebrew resume, fit for the Israeli workforce. 5. Financial Coaching - Each participant receives individualized financial evaluation and consultation to help ensure a successful financial entry into Israeli civilian life. 6. Support from Volunteers - Through volunteer partnerships, lone soldiers are matched with mentors to provide a community support system throughout their transition from soldier to civilian. Maria Kol Yaakov “Wings helped me develop my independence, and gave me confidence and faith in myself. The results are clear – I was accepted to my first choice of higher education and managed to resolve my debts. I know I can always call them for help.”
Jason Blankfield “Wings was able to give me the guidance I so badly needed and someone I could go to for advice, help, and understanding of what challenges awaited me outside of the army environment. Without the help and support of my Wings advisor, Anat, I am not sure I would have stayed in Israel to become the contributing member of Israeli society I am now.”
Ariel Goldberg “The Wings program helped me transition from a new lone immigrant to a proud student and reservist in the State of Israel. I am thankful to have the Wings program to help me build my successful future here in Israel.”
Yuna Kolpina “All of my most important life decisions were made thanks to the guidance provided by Wings! Today, almost four years after my release from the army, I can look back and really appreciate how much this guidance brought me to the point I am at right now.” “These young men and women - who have chosen to leave their families, make Aliyah, and become integrated into Israeli life in the most active way possible - are the pioneers of the Jewish people and they are our future.”
Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel
You can help ensure Israel’s future by being a part of the ultimate support system for lone soldiers!
“We are extremely pleased to have been a part of the journey of the Wings program. Not only has the growth of the program been encouraging, but the impact of the program on lone soldiers and their families has been truly inspirational.”
David Merage, Founder of the David & Laura Merage Foundation
For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Sarah Drill: [email protected] | phone: +972 542326050