B"H
Who It’s About
For Soldiers, By Soldiers
Chayal el Chayal is a home away from home for Lone Soldiers in the IDF.
We are here for them every step of the way, whether a pre, present, former Lone Soldier, or a parent. Our goal is to provide these hero's with the tools to succeed and be a warm family and strong support system.
Chayal el Chayal is run by Former Lone Soldiers who best understand their needs and lead with knowledge and experience.
Our Story
At 18 years old, Mordy Botnick left his hometown of Ottawa, Canada to join the IDF. Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport after midnight with nowhere to go and only 40$ in his pocket, he took a taxi to the Machane Yehuda Market (Shuk) in Jerusalem. There, He found a small quiet corner to lay down his bags and catch a few hours of sleep. The journey had begun.
In the morning, he reached out to a Rabbi who invited him to stay in his Yeshiva a few minutes away. Mordy spent the next few months there finishing up the enlistment process and beginning his volunteer military service in Netzach Yehuda.
One weekend off, in midst of his deployment, Mordy found himself without a Shabbat invitation. Rather than being alone, he gathered a group of fellow Lone Soldiers and arranged a group effort to create a Shabbat experience. This revealed the necessity for a call to action. To create a network and a home for the IDF lone soldiers. Continuing to host soldiers for Shabbat meals as often as possible, Mordy finished his service, and Chayal el Chayal was born.
