Full Breakdown
Supporting Female Lone Soldiers: Moriya Azulay's Mission
1/12/2026, 9:24:26 PM
The Challenge of Lone Soldiers in Israel
Moriya Azulay, a 23-year-old former combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), faced significant challenges after her military service. Recognized as a lone soldier, she lacked the family support that many of her peers enjoyed, leading to financial instability and the threat of homelessness after her discharge. With limited state support systems available for lone soldiers, Azulay found herself at a crossroads, contemplating dropping out of Reichman University, where she aspired to earn a degree in government and diplomacy.
The Birth of Lone Front
In a pivotal moment, Azulay reached out to her mentor, Micky Aharonson, who connected her with philanthropists willing to assist. This support not only helped Azulay remain in school but also led to the establishment of Lone Front, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting female lone soldiers, particularly those who served in combat roles. Currently, Israel has approximately 7,000 lone soldiers, with women making up 46% of this group, many of whom face unique challenges in transitioning to civilian life.
Personal Background and Military Service
Azulay's upbringing was marked by instability; her father left when she was an infant, and her mother struggled with mental health issues. After serving in the IDF’s Lions of the Jordan Battalion, Azulay experienced the abrupt loss of military support upon her discharge, which included the end of her subsidized housing. The existing state assistance, such as a monthly rental subsidy from the Defense Ministry, proved insufficient and often difficult to navigate due to bureaucratic complexities.
Addressing Gender Disparities
Azulay has highlighted the additional hurdles faced by female combat soldiers, including societal skepticism regarding their roles. She noted that while male-only combat units benefit from established support networks, mixed-gender units lack similar frameworks. This disparity contributes to the invisibility of female combat service and the challenges in accessing necessary support after military service. Azulay's organization, Lone Front, aims to fill this gap by providing guidance, mental health care, and community programming for female lone soldiers.
The Mission and Future Aspirations
Lone Front currently supports around 50 young women, focusing on securing stable housing and fostering a sense of community. Azulay emphasizes that without stable housing, these women cannot pursue their goals or aspirations. She believes investing in female lone soldiers is crucial for Israel's future leadership. Despite her commitment to Lone Front, Azulay has struggled to balance her responsibilities with her studies, leading her to seek a CEO for the organization to allow her to return to school.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the challenges faced by lone soldiers, both the IDF and the Defense Ministry acknowledged the existence of support programs but did not address the bureaucratic difficulties highlighted by Azulay. The need for dedicated support for female combat soldiers remains a pressing issue, as articulated by Azulay's experiences and observations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you don’t have a place to live… you can’t fulfill your purpose. You can’t think about what you really want to do. You’re stuck in survival mode.” — Moriya Azulay, Founder of Lone Front
- “It’s not about ego. It’s about giving everything from yourself and no one knowing about it.” — Moriya Azulay
- “They break so many glass ceilings in their own life without any help,” — Moriya Azulay
As Lone Front continues to grow, Azulay remains hopeful for a future where she can balance her educational pursuits with her mission to support female lone soldiers.
