YoungUIA is about connecting our generation to Israel and evoking a sense of belonging for our supporters. Our vital work ensures the continuity of Jewish support to Israel and all Jewish people in need - whether it's from a physical, social, economic or educational threat. Globally, we are involved in 4 major areas of action: aliyah and absorption; youth at risk, education and strengthening Israel’s social infrastructure.
By supporting these causes, a double mission is fulfilled - to stand by Israel and the Jewish people around the world, and ensure the continuity and future leadership of Keren Hayesod - UIA.
YoungUIA targets people in our Community aged 18-40, and is an important link within the chain of Jewish nation-building. Events and activities are targeted to specific cohorts within the YoungUIA demographic - particularly 18-25/30 and 25/30-40.
lone soldiers
YoungUIA has recently shifted its fundraising efforts to the Lone Soldiers Program.
Every year, motivated, idealistic young Jewish adults from around the world choose to leave their families and homes to serve in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and start a new life in Israel.
The army experience and the transition to civilian life can be difficult for any young person. However, it is especially challenging for the approximately 2,500 lone immigrant soldiers serving in the IDF. They struggle with a new and complicated reality and culture that is often coupled with loneliness. Moreover, upon discharge, their transition back to civilian life is also characterised by a high level of uncertainty in areas such as education, employment and housing.
Various programs have been established to help immigrant lone soldiers and YoungUIA has chosen to support this initiative. One of them is the multi-faceted Wings program, which gives these young men and women crucial support and guidance before and immediately after their discharge, which helps to facilitate their absorption and integration into Israeli society. As part of a pre-discharge seminar and workshop sponsored by Wings, and supported by funds raised through YoungUIA, these lone soldiers receive employment guidance, individual coaching and financial counselling, in which they learn everything from how to write a cheque in Hebrew and read a rental contract, to navigating their rights as citizens, such as understanding and accessing their national insurance payments, medical insurance and paying taxes.
YoungUIA’s support of the Lone Soldiers provides a special release grant to assist with the expenses related to their lives as civilians. Furthermore, an array of activities are arranged such as courses and lectures on handling their budget, study options, career advice, entrepreneurship and decision-making – all designed to help lone soldiers to make the right choices about their future and ease their transition into civilian life.
YOUR support to discharged immigrant soldiers demonstrates your gratitude for their dedication and determination to serve our homeland with commitment and purpose. Most importantly, YOU are offering them a measure of security and comfort, showing them that they are not alone.