The Center has three divisions: consultation, moving and social activities. The organization works with the IDF, which helps fund its activities. White himself holds staff meetings with IDF officers.
The consultation department consultation department offers pre-enlistment consultation, offering guidance on military service, the various units and the unique status of the lone soldier. The department further assists soldiers who have been discharged to move smoothly into civilian life, helping them to decide what to do next.
The social activities department offers monthly based activities such as a BBQ which usually hosts some 600 participants, movie night, trips, Shabbat and holiday and more.
“The most unique undertaking we have had was during Operation Pillar of Defense,” says White, “Many soldiers were mobilized from their bases to the field and did not have time to take warm clothing with them. Some of the lone soldiers I spoke to complained of the cold. We collected 24,000$ in 24 hours and dispersed winter gear to the soldiers in the field, and this under a barrage of rockets,” he recalls.
“We had one soldier from Australia who broke his leg while in the army. He came to us for money to buy food. He now gets food coupons from us. Furthermore, I invited him to bring his Playstation with him and set with us at the Center. The Center is like a home for everyone. Our objective is to show the lone soldiers that we are like family here,” White explains.
“As former lone soldiers we understand what they are going through and know the job. We are always ready to meet them are to be on the phone to help. Financial support of the soldiers is important, but our organization offers a family for the lone soldiers as well. We offer them a supportive environment. That is what they are really lacking, and we do all we can to give it to them,” concludes Shapira.
At the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Centers, every load of laundry, every hot meal, every discussion about the stresses of army life is strengthening the Israeli Defense forces and the State of Israel.