From the Israel battlefront to the United States home front

To raise money for a new organization that helps more than 300 American Israel Defense “lone soldiers” annually make the transition back into civilian life after they have completed their military service a benefit concert will be held at Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere on Dec. 3, the second night of Hanukkah, at 8 p.m.

Israel’s King of the Blues guitar, Lazer Lloyd, performs, and IDF lone soldiers who returned to the United States will discuss their service, experiences and the challenges they faced in their transition back to civilian life. Lone soldiers are personnel serving in the IDF who do not have immediate family in Israel.

Founded in September 2017, the Spring Valley-based Nevut was formed with the mission of smoothing the transition and offering programs to build a community for these veterans, along with personal development, guidance, leadership and mentoring opportunities. The aim is also to foster Jewish life to remain connected to the Jewish heritage.

Military service in Israel could be up to three years and is all about being part of a unit. After returning their weapon, uniform and military ID, being a civilian again — going back to school or a job — becomes a challenge after that intense period of being immersed in selflessness. “The real world is hard, they don’t prepare you for this,” said “N,” a lone soldier veteran, in a news release promoting the Dec. 3 fundraiser. Full names are withheld because of privacy or security.

Since it was founded, Nevut has offered the soldiers the opportunity to take part in holiday gatherings, leadership programs, individual and group therapy, career guidance and more. “To see the smiles on their faces and the feeling of that brotherhood that we had in the army is heartwarming,” Nevut Executive Director Rabbi Ari Abramowitz said in the same release.

Abramowitz and Dr. Eric Pollak, founder and executive director of the Shiluv Center for Lone Soldiers, began the Leadership Initiative roughly a year ago that started as a monthly discussion group for veterans that focuses on establishing positive relationships, self-esteem and sharing their experiences, offering a way for the soldiers to process their military service.

“After leaving the military, I felt like I was missing something,” Gabi S. said in the release. “Nevut has given me a community where I feel whole and complete being together with veterans.”

To RSVP for the fundraiser concert, go to nevut.org/Chanukah. Congregation Aish Kodesh is at 894 Woodmere Place in Woodmere.