Lone Soldiers Embark on Three-Day Desert Trek in Mitzpe Ramon
Around twenty lone soldiers from diverse global backgrounds are participating in a three-day desert trek near Mitzpe Ramon organized by the 'Big Brother' association to build community.
Lone Soldiers Embark on Desert Trek
Around twenty lone soldiers, both in mandatory service and reserves, are currently participating in a three-day desert trek near Mitzpe Ramon, organized by the "Big Brother" association to support lone soldiers.
During the journey, participants hike about 35 kilometers along desert trails, rappel down cliffs, sleep under the open sky, and undergo a shared process of connection, exploring the country, and processing their military experiences and immigration to Israel.
Diverse Backgrounds United in the Negev
Young participants from around the world—including Argentina, the Netherlands, France, and even Iran—are taking part in the trek. They bring diverse cultures, languages, and life stories, yet share the common experience of immigrating to Israel and serving in the military far from their families and familiar surroundings.
As a lone soldier, there are moments that only someone who has walked this path can truly understand: the distance from family, the longing, and the feeling of having to build a new home in a new country, shared H., a 22-relative lone soldier from Argentina serving as a welfare non-commissioned officer.
Throughout the journey, participants strictly speak Hebrew to foster an inclusive shared space where everyone feels part of the group. Evenings are spent gathered around campfires, sharing stories and processing the challenges of military life and relocation.
Building Community and Lifelong Support
Lt. Col. (res.) Rali Tzin, VP of the "Big Brother" association, emphasized the importance of the initiative in providing a supportive community for soldiers navigating service without immediate family nearby.
David Vartcha, head of volunteering at the association and a former lone soldier who immigrated from Ukraine 14 years ago, noted the profound impact of seeing participants return years later as volunteers, completing a full circle of mutual support.
