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Who are we?
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The Center for Social Activism operates within Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah, a unique combination of a community center, and activism center for English-speaking olim, tourists and sabras aged 19-35. The Center was established in 2001 to help Merkaz members find an outlet for their passion, allowing them to promote the social initiatives close to their hearts. The Center aims to develop social awareness among olim and tourists and to involve them in social activism, thereby helping them to feel like a true part of Israeli society.
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah’s Lone Soldier Project (“Chayalim Bodedim”) stems from an understanding of the difficulties lone soldiers face and a desire to ease those difficulties by providing them with a home away from home.
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Between 2005-2007, the scope of the Lone Soldier Project has expanded. Initially, it provided basic services to 80 English-speaking lone soldiers serving in the IDF. Today, the project provides more extensive services to 300 lone soldiers.
Among the services provided:
• Merkaz volunteers put together packages which we then send to soldiers three times each year to “sweeten” their time in the army.
• Our dedicated volunteers visit army initiation ceremonies throughout the country.
• The project organizes an annual information session at the Merkaz for lone soldiers and people preparing to be drafted into the IDF.
• Every lone soldier receives a free membership card to the Merkaz and discounts to many.
• Help in finding apartments.
Our goals for the future
• Distribution of special packages to every lone soldier entering the IDF.
• Distribution of packages to our lone soldiers five times annually.
• Organizing a group whose members will visit at least one ceremony of every lone soldier in our data base.
• Coordination of information sessions for lone soldiers twice annually.
• Creation of a pool of foster families for lone soldiers.
What can I do to help?
• “Solidarity” relies on generous donations of tax deductible funds from supporters in Israel and abroad. For the past several years, this project has been funded largely by Hadassah, with the addition of small private donations. We are always looking to expand our database of soldiers, but continuously must seek more funding to do so. A donation of 100 dollars will help our volunteers visit one soldier’s ceremony in the South or North of the country. A donation of 1800 dollars will help create a fund to subsidize apartments for our soldiers. A donation of 10,000 dollars will give scholarships for underprivileged families from overseas to visit their children serving in the army.
For tax deductible donations, click here.
• If you do not have the capacity to make a monetary donation and still want to help, there are various ways in which you can contribute to the project. We accept donations of clothing, packaged food, letters, and much more. Contact Deena for more information and instructions.
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