Mass Mobilization Aids Lone Soldiers with Annual 'Errand Day'
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Over 70 government ministries and organizations participated in the annual 'Errand Day' in Tel Aviv to assist Israel's over 8,000 lone soldiers. Spearheaded by FIDF, Nefesh B'Nefesh, and the Association for the Soldier's Fund, the event provided services like driver's license conversions, passport issuance, and legal aid. The initiative aims to ease the bureaucratic and personal challenges faced by soldiers serving without family support in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over 70 government ministries and organizations provided services to Israel's lone soldiers at the annual 'Errand Day'.
- The event, held in Tel Aviv, aimed to ease the bureaucratic burdens faced by over 8,000 lone soldiers.
- Services included driver's license conversions, passport issuance, and legal and housing assistance.
- This year marked the first time theory tests for new driver's licenses were offered on-site.
- The initiative was led by FIDF, Nefesh B'Nefesh, the IDF, and the Association for the Soldier's Fund.
Dozens of government ministries, organizations, and service providers, including the IDF, volunteered their time and resources for the annual 'Errand Day' event, aimed at assisting Israel's lone soldiers. The initiative was spearheaded by Friends of the IDF in the USA (FIDF), Nefesh B'Nefesh, the IDF, and the Association for the Soldier's Fund.
More than 8,000 lone soldiers, over 3,300 of whom are new immigrants, currently serve in the IDF. These soldiers, who come to Israel without family support, face not only military challenges but also the complexities of managing personal affairs such as documents, housing, rights, and interactions with authorities. The recent 'Lone Soldier Appreciation Week,' led by the IDF, FIDF, and the Association for the Soldier's Fund, culminated in 'Errand Day' held at Expo Tel Aviv.
'Errand Day' consolidated a wide array of services into a single location to streamline bureaucratic processes for lone soldiers. Over 70 entities, including government ministries like Transportation, Population and Immigration, and Immigrant Absorption, provided immediate assistance. Services ranged from obtaining identity cards and biometric passports to driver's license conversions, with dedicated stations for vision tests, photos, and even theory exams for new licenses. This year marked the first time theory tests were offered on-site.
Additional support included uniform issuance and repair services, legal advice, housing assistance, and post-service rights information. Representatives from foreign embassies and organizations that validate foreign degrees were also present. The event aimed to provide a supportive framework, akin to what soldiers with families in Israel might receive, to ease their administrative burdens.
Shraga Weissman of Nefesh B'Nefesh and FIDF highlighted the event's symbolic importance, stating it's a way to thank soldiers and remind them that Israeli society values their choice and stands with them. Liron Donal of FIDF Israel emphasized the deep connection of US donors to Israel, enabling year-round support for soldiers. Merav Ben David of the Association for the Soldier's Fund acknowledged the donors and partners who make this comprehensive support possible.