MyZuzah Marks a New Home for Israel's Lone Soldiers in Tel Aviv

By Emanuelle Hutman, Former Myzuzah Israel Pilot Program Lead

On Thursday, August 13th, MyZuzah had the privilege of participating in the housewarming event for the Lone Soldier Center in honor of Michael Levin, in Tel Aviv. This event was part of MyZuzah's Israel Pilot, which partnered with local organizations to bring mezuzah installations and moments of connection to those rebuilding after trauma.

The Lone Soldier Center is Israel's largest and oldest nonprofit supporting lone soldiers, from enlistment through five years after discharge. It operates regional support centers in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Be'er Sheva, and Haifa, along with residential homes across the country — this new house in Tel Aviv among them — giving soldiers without family in Israel a place to live, and access to the casework, community, and support that reach thousands of soldiers each year. This new home provides a safe and welcoming space for 28 lone soldiers from France, Belgium, the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Turkey, all of whom are serving in combat units.

Following speeches from Lone Soldier Center CEO Leora Rubinstein, parents of lone soldiers, and friends of Michael Levin, we came together to complete the mitzvah of k'viat mezuzah, affixing mezuzot throughout the home. The honor of putting up the mezuzah went to Efrayim Cohen, a board member of the Lone Soldier Center who tragically lost his grandson, Ori Yehonatan Cohen, a 20-year-old combat soldier who was killed on June 6, 2025.

Afterward, Efrayim shared with me that this was the eighth housewarming event he had attended through the Lone Soldier Center. He spoke about how meaningful it was to witness these homes being built for soldiers who sacrifice comfort, stability, and time with their families to serve and protect our country. He expressed his hope that there will be many more homes like this in the future.

For MyZuzah, being part of this moment was especially meaningful. A mezuzah is more than a symbol on a doorway; It represents Jewish identity, protection, and the feeling of home. For these soldiers, who are far from their families while serving on the front lines, placing a mezuzah on the door of their new home was a powerful way to welcome them into a space that they can truly call their own.