Yashar LaChayal (Hebrew: ישר לחייל) ("Straight to the Soldier") is an Israeli non-profit organization established in 2006 that provides soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces with toiletries, relaxation corners, warm jackets, free food and beverages and other creature comforts.[1]
ישר לחייל | |
 Yashar LaChayal logo | |
| Formation | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Providing support and supplies to Israel Defense Forces soldiers |
| Location | |
Executive Director | Leon Blankrot |
History
editDuring the Second Lebanon War in 2006, a group of volunteers drove hygienic supplies to soldiers stationed on the northern border of Israel. Dubbing the project "Operation Northern Points," they decided to continue their work after the war by founding the Yashar LaChayal organization.[2] [3][4] The organization's overhead expenses are paid for by a philanthropist.
The name of the organization, Hebrew for "straight to the soldier,[5]" alludes to the fact that donations go towards the humanitarian needs of Israeli soldiers and not the organization's overhead costs. The executive director of the organization is Leon Blankrot,[6] co-founder of Volunteers for Israel, which sends groups of Americans to volunteer on army bases around Israel.[7]
Yashar LaChayal's operating expenses are paid for by philanthropists.[8] Beyond that, the aid provided by Yashar LaChayal to Israel's soldiers is funded by individual donors.
Projects
editThe "Warm Corner – Pina Chama" project is a network of cabins near IDF patrol routes where soldiers can stop to rest, and have coffee and a snack.[9]
Services
edit- Providing non-military equipment for I.D.F. soldiers beyond what the army itself provides.[10]
- Support for "lone soldiers"[11] (soldiers who immigrated, are orphans, or for other reasons have no family support) and injured soldiers[12]
- Support for soldiers from needy families.[13]
- Support for minorities serving in the I.D.F.[14]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Pinot Chamot’ provide warm welcome, respite for IDF soldiers
- ^ "History | Yashar Lachayal". www.yasharlachayal.org. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ "History | Yashar Lachayal". www.yasharlachayal.org. Retrieved 2015-09-24.
- ^ ""Friends-of" Charities Raising Money for Overseas Groups—Including Israeli Military Concerns". Nonprofit Quarterly. Retrieved 2015-09-24.
- ^ Sun-Sentinel, South Florida. "Golf tournament to benefit IDF". Retrieved 2015-09-24.
- ^ Rules of engagement vary for Americans aiding IDF soldiers
- ^ Leon Blankrot: Helping Israel’s Soldiers
- ^ "GRAPEVINE: The extraordinary long arm of coincidence". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ How One Man is Making a Difference for an Entire Army
- ^ ""Friends-of" Charities Raising Money for Overseas Groups—Including Israeli Military Concerns". Nonprofit Quarterly. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ "The Lone Soldier Fund | Yashar Lachayal". www.yasharlachayal.org. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ "The Injured Soldiers Fund | Yashar Lachayal". www.yasharlachayal.org. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ "The Needy Soldier Fund | Yashar Lachayal". www.yasharlachayal.org. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
- ^ "Yashar LaChayal gives winter gear to an all Druze IDF unit". The 5 Towns Jewish Times. Retrieved 2015-12-17.