LONE

SOLDIERS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

PROGRAM DRAFT DAY

BEFORE YOU'RE DRAFTED

LEAVING EARLY
Update your bank account so that it has
the status of a soldier’s account: You must
present your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID Card)
and Tsav Giyus (drafting orders).

Bills: Your name should be listed on your

electricity and Arnona (property tax) bills, so that
you receive the available discounts for soldiers.
 THE IDF "KOCHAVIM CARD" (STARS CARD)

What is the Kochavim Card?

A digital shopping card that soldiers can use from before their draft until their release.
The card can be used at Hamashbir and H&O.

Using the Card:

Pre-Draft: 14 days prior to their draft date, draftees will receive an SMS message
informing them of their entitlement to the Kochavim Card
The draftees must open the link that is attached to the message and approve the card’s
regulations
Once they have approved the regulations, they will receive a code that they can use to
complete purchases at all H&O chains, as well as Hamashbir Latzarchan
You may be required to present a valid ID

*If an individual has not yet drafted, he/she must pay the equivalent value of “stars” to the IDF

Types of Stars
“Personal Stars” – these are intended for the use of undergarments and personal
winter gear
“Sports Stars” – these stars are designed for the purchase of running shoes (as of
March 2018)
“Discount Stars” – stars that can be used for discounts on private purchases

** The timeframe of receiving the “Kochavim Card” varies depending on the nature
of the soldier’s service, and for more details and terms of eligibility please refer to the
Mitgaisim website HTTPS://WWW.MITGAISIM.IDF.IL/
 GIYUS: DRAFT DAY

1 2
Arrive at the designated meeting point at the At the entrance, submit
indicated time (usually between 7:30 and 8:30 your Tsav Giyus (or Teudat
am), with clothing for at least one week (see the Zehut), and wait until your
list of items, below), your Teudat Zehut, Tsav name is called or appears
Giyus and original apartment rental contract (if on the screens.
you rent an apartment, but have not yet brought
your contract to the Lishkat Hagiyus).

3
When your name appears, you will make your way to the buses. The bus will take
you to Bakum (The Induction Center) at the Tel Hashomer base, where you will
go through the Sharsheret Chiyul (the draft process). At the entrance to Bakum,
you will leave your bags and cell phones in the luggage room. You are allowed
to take only important documents and valuables with you.

4
Sharsheret Chiyul: After watching a short film that explains the Sharsheret Chiyul,
you will start moving from station to station, at the end of which—you will be a
soldier! Below are the stations that you will be going through:
Haircut: For boys and only
if relevant.
Photograph for the Teudat
Choger: The Choger is an
important certificate (card)
that each soldier receives,
which allows you to travel
on public transportation
in your uniform, amongst
other things, free of charge.
Verification of information
and oath to the IDF:
You must submit your
personal information, such
as the name of a contact
person in Israel and phone
number to use in cases
of emergency. You must
also give an address for
parents who live overseas
and your bank information
(for transferring your army
salary). It is important that
this information is written
down on paper and is not
stored on your cell phone,
because you will not have
your cell phone at this point.
Fingerprints: This is done
using a digital scanner.
Receipt of certifications
and disks: You receive your
Teudat Choger, Pinkas
Hashevi (ID information
card in case of POW) and
3 disks; one goes on your
neck, one goes in your
shoes and one is extra.
Vaccines, blood type and
registering for the bone
marrow registry of the
Ezer Mitzion organization:
The vaccines are against
Tetanus, Meningitis, Flu
(if you are drafted during
the winter months),
and Hepatitis A (for
combat soldiers). You are
required to give a blood
sample, which is used for
identification purposes
in cases of emergency.
Joining the bone marrow
registry is optional. If you
do opt to join the national
registry of donors, there is
a chance that you will be
contacted in the future, if
you are a good match and
can donate bone marrow
to another person.
Mouth X-ray: This is an
x-ray of your teeth.
Receiving uniforms, army
supplies, and a gift from
Moadon Yoter: You will
receive uniforms, shoes
and a kitbag. If any of the
items that you receive is the
wrong size, it is important
that you exchange it right
away. There is no time limit
so even though they might
rush you take your time.
Katzin Miyun (Classification
Officer): The Katzin Miyun
meets with soldiers who do
not know where they will
be serving, as well as with
soldiers who want to request
to change their placements.
The Katzin Miyun decides
which position or unit you
will serve in. The decision
depends on factors such
as age, level of Hebrew,
education and data from
the Tsav Rishon. If you start
your service in Michve Alon,
your position is not decided
by the Katzin Miyun until the
end of the course.
 5
When you finish all of the stations, enjoy a good lunch. Then, find the bus that
will take you to your training base, for example: Michve Alon, Machaneh 80,
Nitzanim and others.

6
Once you reach your training base, you go through an absorption process and
have discussions with your direct officer and the Mashakit Tash (army social
worker). It is important that you make sure to share with them any problem or
issue you are encountering.

7
Tips:
• It is recommended that you do not bring expensive personal items or items
of sentimental value.
• Do not bring a lot of cash.
• Bring change in coins, so that you can buy drinks from the vending machines.
• Women: The army prohibits most kinds of jewelry. Nail polish is also
prohibited.
• If you have any medical problems or limitations, it is best to bring
documentation that describes your situation.
 SUPPLY LIST
Documents:
� Teudat Zehut
� Bank details
� Original apartment rental contract
� Name and address of parents living
overseas
� Name and phone number of a contact
person in Israel, in case of emergency
� Tsav Giyus
� Israeli driver’s license (if you have one)
Hygiene:
� Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
(preferably in small bottles)
� Deodorant
� Toothbrush and tooth paste
� A towel that dries quickly; you’ll
receive a regular towel in Bakum.
� Wipes
� Toilet paper
� Flip-flops for the shower
� Shower bag for hanging your
shampoo, conditioner and body wash
� Q-tips
� Talcum powder to prevent chafing
� Mosquito repellant and sunscreen (in
the summer)
� Men: Shaving kit (shaving cream,
shaver or razor)
� Women: Ponytail holders (black or the
color of your hair) and a hairbrush
Please note: It is important to dress modestly while on base.
General:
� Personal backpack (preferably 60-90
liters)
� Cell phone, earphones, charger, and
preferably, a backup battery and strong
cover
� Digital clock with a stopwatch
� 3 locks (preferably combination locks)
� Laundry bag
� Plastic bags
� Flashlight (preferably a headlight)
� Money (preferably not more than 200
NIS in cash)
� Black marker for marking personal items
� Glasses/lenses (solution for contact
lenses)
� Book and snacks for free time (optional)
Clothing:
� 10 pairs of underwear
� 5 shirts per week: there are different
shirts for women and men, you will be
given some upon enlistment.
� 10 pairs of army socks
� Pajamas
� Sports clothing (t-shirts, running pants,
regular socks and sports shoes)
� Long-sleeve sweatshirts (for cold nights)
� Sheets
 RIGHTS FOR LONE SOLDIERS
150 NIS EXTRA FOR FOOD PURCHASES
This money is placed on your
army ID card every month to be
used at a variety of locations.
This money cannot be used
to buy alcohol or cigarettes,
and must be used within two
months of it being added to
your card, or it will be lost.
DMEI KALKALA (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
FOR SICK DAYS
A Lone Soldier who has to take sick
days at home, for three days or
more, is entitled to financial support
(retroactively) starting from the first day
of their sickness. To receive the benefit
submit a doctor's note to the Shalishut
of your unit.
YOM SIDDURIM (ERRANDS DAY)
A soldier is entitled to a Yom Siddurim
to take care of personal affairs once a
month during a course or basic training;
and once every two months during the
rest of their service.
LEAVING EARLY
When leaving base, Lone Soldiers
are meant to arrive home by 12:00
pm during the summer months, or by
11:00 am during the winter months,
on Fridays and the eve of holidays.
GIFT CARDS BEFORE FESTIVALS
Twice a year, Lone Soldiers receive
gift coupons with which equipment
and food can be purchased at
various stores.
MOVING TO A NEW APARTMENT
A soldier who moves to a new
apartment during service is
entitled to ask for a truck for
transporting equipment from
the unit. It is important to
understand that this is not a
rule, but it is a tradition.
WORK PERMIT
Lone Soldiers can receive a work
permit during their military service,
if needed.
idf rights and benefits
EMERGENCY FLIGHTS
If a first-degree relative of a Lone Soldier
passes away overseas the soldier is entitled
to a fully funded ticket as well as a special
SPECIAL VACATION vacation of 30 days.
FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL
Soldiers are
entitled to travel
for up to 30 days
during each year
of service, in order VACATION DURING
to visit family.
FAMILY VISITS TO ISRAEL
Lone Soldiers are entitled to receive up to
eight vacation days per year when parents visit
Israel. The length of the vacation is dependent
on the officer. Friday/Shabbat and Festivals are
considered part of the eight days.

PAYMENT FOR ONE FLIGHT

DURING SERVICE
This payment is received by combat
soldiers after they complete advanced
training; by combat support soldiers
after one year; and by other soldiers
after completing half of their service. It is
recommended that youstart the process
of requesting your flight three months.
PREPARATION COURSE
FOR CIVILIAN LIFE
Courses are offered to Lone Soldiers to
ensure they understand their rights and
benefits, receive guidance about searching
for jobs, hear about their study options,
and are prepared for their first steps after
release from the army.
 ADDITIONAL MILITARY BENEFITS
SPECIAL VACATION
This can be used to study for the
psychometric exams, to resolve an urgent
or unusual financial problem or personal
problem. Eligibility is for up to 30 days of
vacation during one calendar year.
TAVEI MAGAD (STORE VOUCHERS)
Whereas this benefit is also dependent
on financial difficulties, the soldier will
not have to bring in economic proof; this
benefit is only for soldiers in combat units.
ASSISTANCE WITH FURNITURE
Depending on the financial situation of the
soldier, electrical appliances and furniture
can be requested.
ADDITIONAL NON-MILITARY BENEFITS
SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT OR EXEMPTION FROM
ARNONA PAYMENT
If a soldier lives with roommates, the
discount is limited to the soldier’s
portion of the apartment, and cannot
exceed 70 square meters of the
apartment.
To receive the benefit: Bring the original
rental contract, Ishur Sherut Sadir (a
certificate of military service), Teudat
Zehut, Choger, and Teudat Chayal
Boded to the municipality.
50% DISCOUNT ON THE ELECTRICITY BILL
(for soldiers who rent apartments): The name
of the soldier must be registered on the
apartment contract and on the electric bill.
To receive the benefit: Contact the hotline for
lone soldiers (03-7375200) and check that your
name appears on the list of those who are
eligible, and then call the 103 hotline of the
electric company. During the conversation you
will need your Choger, credit card, the reading
on your meter, and the customer number that
appears on your electricity bill.
FINANCIAL GRANT
The soldier will have to bring in proof of his
economic problems and present them to
the army, as this depends on the financial
situation of the soldier.
ONE-TIME LOAN
Whereas this benefit is also dependent on
financial difficulties, the soldier will not have
to bring in economic proof; this loan is only
for soldiers in combat units.
BAZAK GRANT
Whereas this grant is also dependent on
financial difficulties, the soldier will not have
to bring in economic proof.
MONTHLY ALLOWANCE IN THE SUM OF 540 NIS
FROM MISRAD HAKLITA
To receive the benefit: Call: 03-9733333.
If you are at Michve Alon, a representative
of Misrad Haklita will come to see you and
make sure to activate this benefit.
MONTHLY ALLOWANCE IN THE SUM OF 402 NIS
FROM THE MISRAD HABINUI
As a Chayal, you are entitled to 402 NIS
per month from Misrad Habinui as a rental
stipend as part of your benefits as an Oleh
Chadash. This only starts from your 8th
month after making Aliyah and will be paid
automatically into the account that you
provided the Misrad Haklita with. If you are
not receiving it please contact Misrad Haklita
at the following email address:
shaulg@moia.gov.il
 ADDITIONAL MILITARY BENEFITS
Kibbutz Adoption
The army pays rent directly to the
Kibbutz, and the soldier receives
8 supplementary meals a month.
Generally, each Chayal will get their
own room, but this is not guaranteed.
Dirat Alach
There are a number of furnished
apartments available to Lone Soldiers.
Each apartment has 6 soldiers, with
2 to a room. The rent, bills, cleaning
materials, maintenance costs and
repairs are all paid for by the Agudah
Lema’an Hachayal. Soldiers living in a
Dirat Alach are entitled to an additional
400 NIS per month for food expenses.
Beit Lochem
Houses such as HaBayit shel Benji, Beit
Koby and the Lone Soldier Residential
Center run by the Jerusalem
Municipality are designed for combat
soldiers. Residence is free of charge
and there are free meals, a common
living room and private bedrooms.
Beit Hachayal
Beit Hachayal is a hostel that belongs
to the army, and is open to all types
of soldiers, including Lone Soldiers.
Each room has 3-4 soldiers. Space is
limited and depends on availability.
Advance registration is required.
Apartment Rental
Every soldier is entitled to rent an
apartment and the army will provide
rental assistance of up to 1300 NIS
per month. This amount includes
assistance for utilities.
Adopted Family
Nefesh B’Nefesh offers you the
option of having an adopted family
during your service. Usually, the
soldier sleeps in a private room and
the family takes care of everything
the soldier needs, including guidance
and personal support.
*
 Kibbutz Adoption Bait Hachayal Dirat Alach Apartment Rental Beit Lochem Adopted Family

Dining Room   x x x Homemade Food

Kitchen x     

Washing Machine    x  

Adopted Family  x x x  

Includes Bills    x  

Throughout the In cities between

From Eilat to Kiryat
Location country, far from big Beer Sheva and the Anywhere in Israel Anywhere in Israel Anywhere in Israel
Shmoneh
cities Krayot
Depends on the
Privacy 1-2 x 1-2  1-2
house

Feeling of    
Security x x

No worries**    x  

Community Depends on the

  x x 
Activities house

High Expenses x x x  x x
Ability to Choose 
Roommates x x x x x
Contract Easy to     
Break x

**The soldier is not required to pay expenses, wash clothing, prepare food, fix problems in the apartment, and more…
Furnishings    Sometimes  
 STIPENDS FOR LONE SOLDIERS

Home Front Combat Support Kravi (Combat)

Base salary 810 1,176 1,616

Lone soldier
540 540 540
bonus
Risk pay - 211 422
Food stipend
for groceries 150 150 150
(Supersol)
Misrad Haklita
540 540 540
Grant
Misrad Habinui
Grant* (After 13 402 402 402
months of Aliyah)
Total (NIS) 2,442 3,013 3,670

ADDITIONAL STIPEND FOR HOUSING

Home Front Combat Support Kravi (Combat)

Additional
Stipend for house
3,742 4,319 4,970
rental:
1,300