The Story
For Lone Soldiers, By Lone Soldiers – Tzevet Mikey is a program born out of both a grassroots passion to make a positive impact on our own community and the rare ability to translate desire into reality through action.
Our motto “Those Who Sow With Tears, Will Reap With Joy” – Psalm 126:5 reflects our ethos as a program, our deep connections to our heritage, and a way of life that we expect our staff and participants to live by.
In 2014 Tzevet Mikey started when a group of IDF veteran combat lone soldiers asked themselves, “How can we help our disadvantaged brothers and sisters in arms maximize their potential and avoid the mistakes we made?”
From that core question a program was born that would meet twice a week, in a park in Jerusalem, to mentor and empower any future lone soldier or new immigrant soldier who had the desire and drive to improve themselves before drafting to combat service in the IDF.
Since 2014, over 1300 pre-army lone soldiers, almost three combat brigades' worth, have graduated from Tzevet Mikey and gone on to serve in almost every combat unit in the IDF including Search and Rescue, Military Police, Combat Intelligence, Border Defense, Combat Engineering, Armored Units, Frontline Combat, Commando Units, Tier 1 Units, and more.
Since those humble beginnings Tzevet Mikey has grown into a comprehensive program – “Shevet Lochamim”, with dozens of volunteers and dedicated staff, all focused on one goal – making sure that every member of our community is empowered and given the opportunity to, learn, grow, succeed, and excel.
The Program
Tzevet Mikey is a free core program of the LSEF (Lone Soldier Empowerment Foundation), built to support lone soldiers through a structured combination of combat fitness, education, and community. The program runs year-round with bi-weekly training sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, alongside monthly large-scale events that bring the wider community together. While physical training forms part of the structure, it is used primarily as an educational tool to develop resilience, discipline, and cohesion.
Our mission is rooted in a simple principle: for lone soldiers, by lone soldiers. With over a decade of experience supporting lone soldiers in Israel, the program is designed and led by those who have lived the same journey. It is one of the largest initiatives of its kind, supporting over 150 core participants annually, and is sustained through a grassroots network of volunteers and alumni who direct, fundraise for, and continuously adapt the program to meet the evolving needs of the community.
At the heart of Tzevet Mikey is an educational curriculum that addresses the real challenges faced by lone soldiers. This includes spoken Hebrew practice, guidance on rights and benefits, financial planning, an understanding of IDF structure, and discussions on current events and the moral realities of military service. These sessions are designed to provide both practical tools and critical perspective, helping participants navigate service with clarity and confidence.
The program follows a natural progression from participant to lone soldier to instructor, creating a continuous cycle of leadership and mentorship within the community. This structure ensures that experience is passed forward, and that those who once joined seeking support can eventually become the ones providing it.
Above all, Tzevet Mikey is guided by an education-first ethos. Fitness, training, and challenge are not ends in themselves, but vehicles for growth, learning, and connection. The outcome is a resilient, informed, and supported community of lone soldiers who are better prepared for service and for life beyond it.
The Instructors & Staff
Program Executive Team
Senior Instructor Team - Jerusalem
Garin Rose Women's Group
Onboarding Team
Past Program Directors
Sister Programs of Tzevet Mikey
Garin Rose Women's Group
A dedicated community for female lone soldiers and young women navigating life in Israel. Through regular gatherings, social events, and peer support, Garin Rose creates a space for connection, mentorship, and friendship, helping participants build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging far from home.
Ulpan Yehoshua
Ulpan Yehoshua provides practical spoken Hebrew instruction designed specifically for lone soldiers. Focused on real-life communication rather than formal classroom learning, the program helps participants gain the language skills needed to navigate military service, daily life, and integration into Israeli society with greater confidence.
Watches for Warriors
Watches for Warriors provides lone soldiers with a durable, combat-ready watch to accompany them throughout their military service. More than just a practical tool, these watches help soldiers manage the demands of daily military life while serving as a reminder that they are supported by a community that recognizes their commitment and sacrifice. Built to withstand the realities of service, each watch symbolizes preparedness, resilience, and the enduring bond between lone soldiers and those who stand behind them.
Jerusalem Marathon
The Jerusalem Marathon initiative brings lone soldiers together to train, challenge themselves, and participate in one of Israel's most iconic sporting events. The program promotes perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth while creating opportunities for participants to represent the lone soldier community with pride.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Programs
LSEF's financial assistance initiatives help remove barriers that lone soldiers often face while building their futures. Through scholarships, emergency grants, and targeted aid, participants receive support for educational opportunities, essential expenses, and life transitions that might otherwise be out of reach.
Rising Lions Emergency Fund – Homeless Heroes
The Rising Lions Emergency Fund provides urgent assistance to lone soldiers and veterans facing housing instability or acute financial hardship. Designed to respond quickly in times of crisis, the fund offers practical support that helps individuals regain stability, maintain dignity, and avoid falling through the cracks.
October 7th Emergency Fund – Reservist Support
Established in response to the events of October 7th and the extended reserve duty that followed, this emergency fund assists reservists and lone soldiers experiencing unexpected financial and logistical burdens. Support may include emergency aid, assistance with basic needs, and resources that allow participants to focus on serving their country without facing crisis at home.
B'Shvil HaChayal HaBoded
B'Shvil HaChayal HaBoded is a memorial trail initiative that combines education, remembrance, and community. Through hikes and commemorative events, participants learn the stories of lone soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while strengthening their connection to Israel, one another, and the values of service and responsibility that define the lone soldier experience.
Partners & Supporters
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