The “Benaya" Organization was established in memory of Major Benaya Sarel (of blessed memory), who was killed in a clash with Hamas on Friday - the Av Tsa"d, August 1, 2014, in operation Tzuk Eitan. On that occasion, Hamas kidnapped and killed Hadar Goldin, was also killed Sergeant Liel Gideon. Benaya was one of the first ones to go into Gaza, he inspired the soldiers in his unit, and helped those soldiers in Israel without family.  He made sure to help each individual he met as well as the disadvantaged. 

In Hebrew, Benaya means “construction”.  We in the Benaya Organization see ourselves as a follower of Benaya who “built” the way for us, helping lone soldiers and the disadvantaged during their military service, a stretch of time which is full of difficulties and challenges. 

Here are some of the activities that we have already started and activities we plan to provide in the future: 

Collecting food baskets and daily necessities – the food package collection was done in collaboration with the Israeli Scouts 

Collection donations of electrical appliances and furniture for soldiers 

Organizing fun days for soldiers / contributions to various tickets and more which are intended for all soldiers 

Recruitment and placement of troops in the workplace after the army 

Soldiers hosting families during the holidays and Saturdays in cooperation with the organization “Orhim Lashevet”. 

 

Project "Big Brother" is a joint initiative of the Benaya Organization and the "Achari!" (Follow Me) Organization.   The purpose of this organization is to combine army graduates and volunteers to extend the values of Zionism, giving, family and Israel, and give their time to lone soldiers and the poor within the army ranks.  They give these less fortunate soldiers a sympathetic ear, direction and advice. 

 

 

The project goals: 

•   Create a role model of achievement to encourage the soldier to strive and be successful. 

•   Create a family unit for soldiers who are from dysfunctional families  

• Be non-judgmental 

•   Provide tools for independent decision making, increasing a sense of competence and belonging. 

•   Identify the needs of individual soldiers, and guidance to relevant information sources. 

•   Provide assistance via the relevant Soldier Associations (IDF, Jewish Agency and Ministry of Absorption) 

 

They targeted soldiers and disadvantaged individuals are so classified because of socio-economic background or having abandoned religion and separation from their families. The common denominator is the desire to be an integral part of Israeli society and coping with challenges such as emotional, psychological, cultural, economic and bureaucracy ... The volunteers project "Big Brother" receives training from the organization "Aharai".  Soldiers provide guidance, advice, a listening ear and address any questions or concerns.  

The volunteer project "Metaplim Mecal Halev" is a unique project in the country in which all of the regular soldiers, without exception, are entitled to complementary medical treatment including massage, shiatsu, reflexology, acupuncture, etc. at a subsidized price. Holistic medicine that basically was created and grew worldview have to see the person as a whole, that is a connection between mind and body combine treatments that give soldiers a break from both the physical (stiff muscles, aches and general reconstruction) and emotional-mental areas - emotional stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and the daily difficulties that soldiers may experience as part of their military service. The purpose of the project in addition to " Metaplim Mecal Halev" " is to serve as a caretaker house, a place for professional development and involvement in the community. Therapists wholeheartedly volunteer to initiate activities for the soldiers, activities involving caregivers and civilians alike. We believe that building social involvement in any sphere leads ultimately to enhance relations, solidarity and unity among people. 

Project Absorption of Discharged Soldiers preparatory course in civil - during the time period in which we operate, we examined the military system and the way in which the lone soldiers and disadvantaged and learned that the great difficulty lies precisely on their release or that then they are left without cover military, whatever no longer continue and would protect them. So we learned from veterans, left almost alone, without the tools to deal with the civilian system. So we chose the vision of "building" women in front of us in this noble cause and a sense of belonging and responsibility for the future of Israeli society, our member organization to "follow me!" And together we decided to take action and establish a system of preparing the entire country that will allow the discharged soldier fit into this framework by which he will be able to maintain a joint household in the company of other soldiers, to work and support himself working bidding or alternatively one of a variety of works (emphasis on high-tech), it will recruit for the organization "Construction "in addition will soldier support, training and tools for dealing with citizenship to include enrichment classes ranging from the financial field (by professionals) lectures and experiences in a variety of subjects that will give the soldier a tasting about selecting possible area which will deal with the future, establishing a business enterprise joint participants in the preparatory program, be it Pen donating and volunteering for community empowerment guidance of a mentor and more ... we believe that by providing social shell supportive family that will embrace the soldier and give him important skills will create a strong and stable bridge for him. Integration into Israeli society becomes more easy and pleasant, and it will allow him to be a citizen of manufacturers and achievements of a high social awareness. 

We in the "Benaya Organization" believe that creating an optimal space, will provide opportunities for learning and personal development for each soldier, enrich and increase the chances of successful soldier and citizen development will contribute to ensuring an independent and responsible. To our minds, the way to do this is by building a platform for growth and development of different skills that will increase and strengthen the sense of personal ability and self-confidence of the soldier. 

Other areas in which Benaya works to benefit the soldiers: 

Benaya accompanied and represented two Ethiopian lone soldiers: Tzlatzo laments and Argooai Tesfamariam,  who were raising their brothers in Ethiopia. 

Benaya also represents lone soldiers from the Ethiopian community who expect that their family who remained in Ethiopia to unite the country with them. 

Benaya is very actively involved in monitoring those soldiers representing the Christian community, whose members volunteer to serve in the IDF. IDF soldiers who are members of the Christian community find that "Conscription Law" does not apply those who enlist in the IDF variety of units. These soldiers regularly suffer threats and violence against them by their Muslim neighbors who did not see eye to eye in their involvement and contribution of their neighbors the State of Israel. Following threats and violence, as noted, there has been a significant decline in the past year to recruit young people into the IDF in the Christian community. The Benaya Organization along with with "The Christian Community Mobilization Forum", are together strengthening ties with this population and increasing the percentage of IDF recruits from this community. 

Benaya provides all the help and advice to IDF soldiers. 

Social change starts from the bottom up and only then will grow to become a greater cause, where ideas and new patterns are embedded and echo everywhere. 

If we could teach more soldiers important issues, such as how the brain works, how to handle economic matters, how to spend money for the purpose of economic security, how to be a parent, how to create good relationships, and how to create and maintain self-esteem and self-love-., we would consider ourselves a success. 

 

"Many times we underestimate the value of a smile, a kind word, a real compliment, or the smallest act of caring - all the things possessing potential for making life better." (Leo Buscaglia) 

 

http://www.benaya.org/about                                      Connect us : benaya.org@gmail.com

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