Millions of shekels for discharged soldiers: grants of up to 18,000 shekels
As part of the "Influencing in Studies" program, hundreds of discharged combat soldiers and combat support personnel from unique populations received scholarships totaling over 10 million shekels this year.
This week, an appreciation ceremony was held for the Rothberg Foundation, led by the Head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa, and the Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, Major General (Res.) Yoram Yair-Ya, recognizing the foundation's partnership in supporting discharged soldiers and facilitating their academic integration.
The "Influencing in Studies" scholarship provides a living stipend of 12,000–18,000 shekels, contingent upon 100 hours of community volunteering. The program targets lone soldiers, those eligible for social assistance, members of minority groups, individuals of Ethiopian descent, new immigrants, and Haredim. Following the program's success over the past two years, eligibility was expanded this year to include discharged combat support personnel from unique populations, in line with IDF Manpower Directorate policy.
The Rothberg Foundation is a key strategic partner of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers. Beyond scholarships, the foundation contributes to the IDF by funding the construction of welfare clubs, gyms, clinics, and synagogues.
Major General (Res.) Yoram Yair-Ya, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, stated:
"The foundation's support for the 'Influencing in Studies' scholarships allows young men and women who have completed significant service to advance and build their future. This activity serves as a model of how Israeli society embraces its soldiers, including lone soldiers, the wounded, and reservists."
Head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa, added:
"Whoever gives to the country will receive from it in return. You are a wonderful example for future generations; this is how our society should behave: with mutual responsibility and appreciation for those who go beyond themselves for the sake of the collective."
