Lone Soldiers: How Daystar Partners are Blessing the Unsung Heroes of Today’s IDF

When most people think of the Israeli Defense Forces, they picture units shaped by lifelong bonds, shared backgrounds, and national solidarity. Yet an often-overlooked—yet crucial—group has become increasingly vital in today’s conflicts: the lone soldiers. These are service members without immediate family support in Israel—either because their loved ones live abroad, they’ve been estranged, or they come from broken homes.

As of early 2025, approximately 7,000 lone soldiers serve in the IDF, hailing from over 60 countries. About half are diaspora volunteers; the rest are Israeli-born but lack family backing—orphans, those estranged, or from non‑supportive backgrounds.

Without the cushion of immediate family, lone soldiers often navigate compounding stress—combat trauma layered atop personal isolation. The IDF, governmental bodies, and NGOs have established extensive support networks. Daystar is one of the NGOs providing housing for lone soldiers. The project featured in the video above will serve as a home for 12 lone soldiers.

Many lone soldiers credit these initiatives with allowing them to muster the emotional resilience needed on active fronts.

Lone soldiers are the embodiment of selfless service—leaving homes, families, and familiar structures to stand guard for Israel. With some 7,000 serving today, and hundreds of new recruits annually answering the call, these individuals fortify the IDF in every operational arena. But their impact extends far beyond their battlefield contributions.

Supported by a uniquely Israeli tapestry of institutional and grassroots solutions, they wrestle with crisis far from home and yet become intrinsic threads in Israel’s defense—both on the map and within the nation’s heart. 

Their service is not only courage under fire—it’s commitment without community, valor without family stationed nearby. As active campaigns continue, honoring and supporting these soldiers is not just humanitarian; it’s pivotal to national resilience in a time of war.