OU Israel announced the launch of Frontline Support, an innovative new program to support English-speaking IDF soldiers in their spiritual and personal journey throughout army service. Utilizing a network of religious mentors with military experience and backgrounds, Frontline Support is designed to help soldiers of all levels of religious observance find meaning, community and address challenges with religious identity and practice amidst army service.
“In the aftermath of October 7th, hundreds of Anglo soldiers in Israel are carrying not only the burden of defending the country, but also grappling with profound questions of identity, faith, and purpose,” said Esti Moskovitz-Kalman, Director of Anglo Engagement and Programming at OU Israel. “Frontline Support was created by the OU in Israel to ensure they do not face that journey alone. We connect them with mentors, Torah, and community in a language and framework that speaks directly to their lived reality.”
The pilot program, with its personalized and flexible mentor and chaburah model designed around the unpredictable realities and schedules of military life, celebrated its launch last week in Jerusalem with an event for active duty IDF soldiers. Attendees met with program mentors and heard from Rabbi Judah Mischel, Director of Camp HASC, who shared Torah inspiration to help frame the uniqueness and greatness of their army service at this time in history. The event also included an address by Gabi Katz, a former Lone Soldier and author of “Alone With God: The Daily Journal of a Religious Lone Soldier”. Katz, who was injured in battle in Lebanon, shared his perspective on the importance of spiritual support as a core element in one’s individual army service.
Amidst the current war and its lasting impacts, the OU in Israel increasingly recognized the need for a dedicated program that would provide support to lone soldiers and other English-speaking soldiers outside of the traditional Hesder or Yeshiva frameworks. Over 70 soldiers have already signed up to take part in the pilot project.
Rabbi Ian Schwartz, Director of Frontline Support and an active IDF veteran who came to the launch event amidst reserve duty explained, “Every soldier deserves to know that they have people they can turn to in moments of personal uncertainty and to be reminded of the broader purpose and beauty of their service. Frontline Support fosters genuine connection for English-speaking soldiers from religious backgrounds – a place of understanding, without judgment, that meets each soldier where they are.”
“In moments of real need, what every soldier seeks is a sense of community—and the reassurance that they don’t have to face challenges alone,” Schwartz continued. “We are proud to offer that supportive role through the lens of Torah, community and connection.”
For more information about the program, visit frontlinesupportisrael on Instagram or email Ian.Schwartz@ou.org.