Social and humanitarian aid
MAISON DE BENJI (The House of Benji)
Support for lone soldiers includes private studios providing comfort and a sense of community, as well as ongoing assistance in their transition to civilian life, including career guidance and help with integration in Israel. To date, more than 1,500 veterans have been supported through this initiative.
The Concept
La Maison de Benji was established in 2012 in memory of Commander Benji Hillman (ז""ל), who fell in combat during the Second Lebanon War (2008). The house provides 87 combat soldiers with "Hayal Boded" (lone soldier) status, offering them a private studio for the entire duration of their military service.
The resident soldiers enjoy the highest level of comfort, including:
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The privacy of their own room
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Three meals per day
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Laundry services provided by volunteers who wash, fold, and return their clothes before they head back to base
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Spacious public areas, both indoors and outdoors
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Recreational facilities, and more
In addition to material support, Maison de Benji also offers a warm family environment, a community, and emotional support — a winning combination that gives lone soldiers a true sense of belonging.
With both their physical and emotional needs met, they can focus their energies on being excellent soldiers.
Post-Military Support
Maison de Benji continues to support lone soldiers after their release from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), helping them take their first steps into civilian life and integrate into Israeli society as independent and productive citizens. The Orientation Center, operating within Maison de Benji, is also open to non-resident soldiers.
To date, the Orientation Center has assisted more than 1,500 lone soldiers. Of these soldiers, 90% choose to remain in Israel — a significantly higher percentage compared to the general population of lone soldiers, where only 25-50% stay after completing their military service.
The orientation and support process begins two months before the end of military service and includes assistance in:
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Finding a job
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Securing and furnishing housing
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Managing personal finances
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Higher education and scholarships
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Navigating Israeli bureaucracy (which can be complex)
Each soldier is paired with an individual mentor, carefully matched to their profile, who guides them through this challenging transition into civilian life.
The Benji Hillman Foundation
Introduction
The Benji Hillman Foundation, which manages Maison de Benji, invites you to participate in a unique project in Israel that supports the Zionist commitment of many young individuals who choose to join the ranks of the IDF despite their status as lone combat soldiers.
We believe these young soldiers deserve the support of the diaspora to improve the lives of the young men and women who fulfill the Zionist dream of protecting the land we all hold dear.
The New House
The new house, spanning 2,500 square meters, will include:
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Private studios for 93 lone combat soldiers, increasing the total capacity from 87 to 180 soldiers
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Four floors and a basement
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Public spaces including a lobby, club room, kosher kitchen, dining room, fitness area, and a large garden
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Three offices for staff
Budget and Funding
The project has a $3.5 million budget to cover construction costs for this second house.
Donation Opportunity
We would be honored to recognize your donation by naming one of the rooms or public spaces in the new house after you or in memory of a loved one.
Call to Action
By joining us in this proven model, you will enable lone soldiers to serve and reach their full potential. You can also be confident that this second project will be managed with the highest standards of efficiency and professionalism, just like the first house under our care.
On behalf of all the soldiers and our organization, we thank you in advance for your consideration.