Parents Honor Slain Son by Housing Lone Soldiers
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Yossi and Michal Shiloni established the "Beit Almog Shiloni" association to honor their son, Almog, who was killed 12 years ago, by supporting lone soldiers. The organization is building a home in Modi'in for 150 soldiers, offering community, housing, and professional support. This initiative comes amid a rise in lone soldier enlistments, with 500 joining in 2024. The association aims to provide a sense of belonging and address the psychological needs of these soldiers throughout their service and beyond.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yossi and Michal Shiloni founded an association to support lone soldiers in memory of their son Almog, killed 12 years ago.
- The "Beit Almog Shiloni" association is building a home in Modi'in for 150 lone soldiers.
- The initiative aims to provide community, housing, and professional support to soldiers far from their families.
- Lone soldier enlistments have increased, with 500 joining the IDF in 2024.
- The association will offer support during military service and after discharge, including mental health care.
- Almog Shiloni was killed in a 2014 stabbing attack in Tel Aviv.
Twelve years after their son Almog Shiloni was killed in a terror attack, Yossi and Michal Shiloni are honoring his memory by providing a home and support for lone soldiers serving in the IDF. Almog, who was murdered in a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in November 2014, was known for his deep concern for his soldiers, particularly those without close family in Israel. His parents established the "Beit Almog Shiloni" (Almog Shiloni House) association to fulfill his wish of caring for these soldiers.
The association is currently working to establish a permanent facility in Modi'in that will accommodate 150 lone soldiers. The goal extends beyond providing housing; it aims to create a community framework offering a sense of belonging and security. This includes assigning "adoptive families" to host soldiers for Shabbat and holidays, alongside professional support from the association's staff throughout their military service and even after their discharge.
The ongoing war has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive support for lone soldiers, many of whom face invisible wounds and psychological challenges. The association plans to develop a professional support system to help soldiers cope with post-traumatic stress and mental health crises. The Shilonis view the soldiers gathering and finding a sense of home as a testament that loss does not have to be the end, ensuring Almog's spirit of care and love for people lives on.
According to IDF data, the number of lone soldiers enlisting has seen a significant increase, with approximately 200 in 2023, 500 in 2024, and an expected 400 in 2025. About 60% are men, and the average enlistment age is 21. Half are considered distinct lone soldiers, while the other half lack family support.