LEAVING EARLY

BEFORE YOU'RE DRAFTED

DRAFT DAY

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

PROGRAM

LONESOLDIERS

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 CardThe draftees must open the link that is attached to the message and approve the card’s regulationsOnce 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 LatzarchanYou 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/

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Arrive at the designated meeting point at the indicated time (usually between 7:30 and 8:30 am), with clothing for at least one week (see the list of items, below), your Teudat Zehut, Tsav Giyus and original apartment rental contract (if you rent an apartment, but have not yet brought your contract to the Lishkat Hagiyus).

At the entrance, submit your Tsav Giyus (or Teudat Zehut), and wait until your name is called or appears on the screens.

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.

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:

GIYUS: DRAFT DAY

Haircut: For boys and only if relevant.

Fingerprints: This is done using a digital scanner.

Mouth X-ray: This is an x-ray of your teeth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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

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

Please note: It is important to dress modestly while on base.

SUPPLY LIST

RIGHTS FOR LONE SOLDIERS

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.

DMEI KALKALA (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)FOR SICK DAYSA 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.

LEAVING EARLYWhen 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 FESTIVALSTwice a year, Lone Soldiers receive gift coupons with which equipment and food can be purchased at various stores.

WORK PERMIT

Lone Soldiers can receive a work permit during their military service, if needed.

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.

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.

VACATION DURING 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.

EMERGENCY FLIGHTSIf 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 vacation of 30 days.

PREPARATION COURSE FOR CIVILIAN LIFECourses 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.

idf rights and benefits

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.

SPECIAL VACATIONFOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Soldiers are entitled to travel for up to 30 days during each year of service, in order to visit family.

PAYMENT FOR ONE FLIGHTDURING SERVICE

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.

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 vacation of 30 days.

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

SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT OR EXEMPTION FROMARNONA 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

MONTHLY ALLOWANCE IN THE SUM OF 540 NIS FROM MISRAD HAKLITA

(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.

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

FINANCIAL GRANTThe 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.

BAZAK GRANTWhereas this grant is also dependent on financial difficulties, the soldier will not have to bring in economic proof.

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.

ADDITIONAL NON-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 FURNITUREDepending on the financial situation of the soldier, electrical appliances and furniture can be requested.

Kibbutz Adoption

Beit Hachayal

Dirat Alach

Apartment Rental

Beit Lochem

Adopted Family

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL MILITARY BENEFITS

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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.

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.

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.

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Home Front Combat Support Kravi (Combat)

Base salary 810 1,176 1,616Lone soldier

bonus 540 540 540

Risk pay - 211 422Food stipend for groceries

(Supersol)150 150 150

Misrad Haklita Grant 540 540 540

Misrad Habinui Grant* (After 13 months of Aliyah)

402 402 402

Total (NIS) 2,442 3,013 3,670

Home Front Combat Support Kravi (Combat)

Additional Stipend for house

rental: 1,300

3,742 4,319 4,970

ADDITIONAL STIPEND FOR HOUSING

STIPENDS FOR LONE SOLDIERS