Welcome to the parents forum!

[rafi]

Shalom Parents!

For decades now, Jews from around the world have searched for ways to serve Israel. One of the most famous, honored ways to do so is to serve in the Israel Defense Forces under the MAHAL program.

MAHAL is an acronym for Mitnadvim M'Hutz L'Aretz or Volunteers from overseas. Many of the soldiers who serve will be alone in Israel, and are entitled to special privileges and considerations. They are referred to as a Hayal Boded or a Lone Soldier. I mention this now, because the first thing I wish to do is reassure you that you are not alone, and even the IDF itself recognizes how special the contribution being made is.

While the pride you feel right now for your child must be immeasurable, the questions, concerns and need for some answers must be immeasurable as well. The goal of this section is to provide a place for you to share those questions, and find parents and veterans who have come before. The moderators of this web site are well positioned to answer questions or to contact people who can. One is a recent veteran of the MAHAL program himself, and I am an American/Israeli veteran with IDF service dating back to the early seventies.

Feel free to ask questions, either on the forum or via our private message portal.

B'shalom,
Rafi