At the outset of the war against Hamas, a record 360,000 soldiers were called up for reserve duty. The response was remarkable. Soldiers returned home from all over the world, some spending their entire flight sitting on the floor of an airplane. In addition to the inherent danger that is part and parcel of fighting a war, war also can adversely affect many areas of a soldier’s life: family, employment, and education, to name a few. Understanding the challenges that soldiers face, the army and government seek to provide them with assistance.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich recently presented a wartime assistance program in which, if approved, NIS 9 billion ($2.5 billion) will be allocated to help reservists. The program will include one-off and monthly grants, subsidies, and loans. Upon completion of their service, reservists will also be entitled to a vacation voucher. Reserve soldiers who serve in combat roles will be eligible for a NIS 50,000 ($13,777) grant toward buying land in towns and cities outside the center of Israel, what is known as the periphery.
In another effort to help reservists, the Knesset recently approved a bill in which the state will pay 100 percent of the costs of an academic degree for discharged combat soldiers. This bill is an amendment to an existing law called “From Uniform to University,” in which 75 percent of tuition fees were already covered. When the bill was approved, MK Ofir Katz, one of the MKs who presented the bill, stated that “All soldiers give 100 percent of themselves from the moment of enlistment until the end of the reserves. Today, we are giving them 100 percent back.”
The IDF also recognizes the dedication and support of the families of chayalim, and shows their appreciation by sending them funds for babysitting and household repairs, as well as cute gifts and swag.
Over the months of the war, some soldiers have been permitted to go home on occasion, while others were not given leave until very recently. Soldiers in regular service are expected to stay in more than those in the reserves, but even the reserves have stayed in for longer than usual. Some units have been kept in for months straight, without a decent shower or a phone. For some, respite was given in Gaza, but it’s hard to consider that much of a break.
After nearly three months of fighting, the IDF is beginning to discharge some of the reservists. For now. When the chayalim are discharged, they don’t leave the front and go straight to their homes, but rather spend some time in a base that is generally used for training. They put their names on their weapons and equipment, and they place them in storage, which will allow for easy retrieval if it becomes necessary for them to enlist once again. The chayalim stay at the base for several days, during which they recap their war experiences and think about any lessons learned that may be useful in the future. They also take the time to relax and gradually ease their way back into civilian life.
In recognition of the tremendous dedication and commitment demonstrated by the chayalim in fighting this war, the army sends them off with a bang. For my son’s last night before discharge, the IDF took his unit on an overnight trip to campgrounds where they slept in tents. The chayalim prepared food in a Poika, a cast iron pot that Israelis like to use for cooking while camping. A DJ provided music for dancing. The chayalim were encouraged to write a letter in a sefer Torah. The next day they went on a hike. This was all just for fun.
On their last day, the chayalim had debriefing sessions with psychologists to process what they had experienced and seen during the war. They also were told what issues they may encounter when they return to civilian life. As wonderful as it is to be home, the transition is not simple.
In the evening, a big ceremony, similar to a graduation, was held in an event hall with a proper theater. In addition to a festive meal, music played in the background, and speeches were given by commanders about the significance of the contribution of the chayalim to the war effort. A slide show presentation featured pictures of their experiences during this unforgettable time. Each chayal was called up and presented with a certificate of appreciation and a medal, thanking him for his participation in the war. As would be expected, on the case surrounding the medal are the words “Am Yisrael Chai.”
We hope that all of the chayalim return home very soon. Please continue to daven for the recovery of the sick, the release of the remaining hostages, and the success and safe return of all the chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
