About 9,000 lone soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces gathered at Expo Tel Aviv on October 22 for the ninth annual Errands Day, an event designed to help them tackle everyday bureaucratic tasks. The event, organized by the Friends of the IDF (FIDF)-Nefesh B'Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program, allowed soldiers to access various services, including government agencies, banks, and non-profit organizations.
The event featured over 70 stalls, filling two massive buildings at the convention center. Soldiers could seek help with tasks such as obtaining driver's licenses, converting foreign driver's licenses, and receiving guidance on rental assistance and bank accounts. Israel's Population and Immigration Authority operated 20 stations, issuing identity cards and passports. Volunteer seamstresses also repaired uniforms.
The Lone Soldiers Program, led by Shraga Weissmann, aims to support the over 7,000 lone soldiers serving in the IDF, including more than 3,200 new-immigrant soldiers from across the globe. Weissmann emphasized that the event is a meaningful way to help lone soldiers manage their day-to-day needs and remind them that they are supported. The program has assisted over 20,000 lone soldiers in the past decade.
Many attending the event were between 18 and their early 20s, taking on military service at an age when peers overseas are beginning university or establishing careers. Sergeant J, 20, from New Rochelle, New York, moved to Israel two years ago to contribute to protecting Jewish lives. L, also 20, left Paris at 18 due to antisemitism and described coming to Israel as a decision to build her life in the country she regarded as her own.
The event allocated an entire building to reservists, many of whom have served hundreds of days since October 7. These reservists, mostly around ages 25 to 30, had access to more advanced services such as assistance with employment, applying to university, and obtaining a mortgage. L came to the event looking for help with housing, bills, and finding out which benefits she could receive.
Operation Hug, a partnership of Nefesh B'Nefesh and FIDF, has helped over 1,700 parents travel to Israel to see their serving children during the war. The operation has also expanded support for parents trying to understand their children's experiences from overseas. Sergeant Shin, a Nahal Brigade soldier from Florida, attended the event to get his driver's license and reunite with friends.
The event provided a sense of community for lone soldiers, who often rely on friendships built during service. L shared that instead of family, she has friends in Israel who support her. The atmosphere outside the convention center was lively, with staff serving food and games like foosball and air hockey available.
Key points
- Over 9,000 lone soldiers attended the annual Errands Day event in Tel Aviv.
- The event offered a range of services, including help with bureaucracy, housing, and benefits.
- The Lone Soldiers Program has assisted over 20,000 soldiers in the past decade.
