The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation began the new campaign in full gear by hosting a bus of Lone Soldiers to the Europa League match on Thursday night against Tirana. The soldiers were picked up at The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin in Tel Aviv and were accompanied by a number of Yellow & Blue fans to help bring the excitement the ride to Netanya. Once on the bus, each Lone Soldier received a Maccabi scarf and upon arrival the whole group marched into the stadium cheering the Club on.
David Borowich-Ya’ari a Lone Soldier who served in a tank unit as a gunner in 1992 and his family sat with the current crop of Lone Soldiers at the match said: “Today, thankfully there is a heightened level of awareness and consideration for Lone Soldiers in Israel. But what Maccabi Tel Aviv is doing for Lone Soldiers is above and beyond and helps ease the burden while helping these soldiers acculturate to Israeli culture. We did not have this type of opportunity when I served in the IDF. Being a lone soldier can be incredibly challenging but having the Maccabi family supporting them during their service and upon their release makes a world of difference.”
A mother’s hug, a talk with father, financial security and warm family support. There are currently over 6,500 Lone Soldiers in Israel who have no home to return to. The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation along with The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin are being mobilizing the Maccabi fans for the Lone Soldiers.
מכבי ת”א מתגייסת למען החיילים הבודדים
Lone Soldiers are composed of several populations where half are from families who live outside of Israel while the other half are Israelis who were born and grew up in Israel, however, due to various reasons they are not in touch with their families and parents.
How can you help them become part of the Yellow & Blue family? There are a number of ways:
From a weekly phone call to meeting every couple of weeks to daily basis support, participating in family events, mentoring and advising all the way to their release and vocational guidance.
Enter the registration page, choose how you’d like to help a Lone Soldier and The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin will find a new member for your family.
