Cheilech was founded by a team of volunteers who recognized the increasing need for advice and support services for religious women from overseas who volunteer to serve in the IDF.

Cheilech is different from other Lone Soldier organizations that mostly support male soldiers. We are uniquely focused on the religious and emotional needs of women serving in the IDF, who find themselves in a mostly-male and predominantly secular environment, facing unique religious challenges with little or no family support. Some women encounter opposition from their families and religious advisors when they decide to enlist, so we endeavour to fill those gaps with our positive support network.

Cheilech is an independent, apolitical organization working with women from all religious backgrounds. We make ourselves available to all the various Midrashot, Seminaries and Shana B’Aretz programs that wish to consult with us, and we partner with multiple organizations for the benefit of the women that we support.We do not encourage religious women to serve in the IDF – we are neutral on this issue – but we recognize the need to support young women who have made that decision. Similarly, we do not recommend combat roles, but we support those who choose them.

On Halachic issues, we consult with the IDF Rabbinate and with senior Rabbis from across the Religious Zionist / Modern Orthodox spectrum, in Israel and overseas.

Our community of care is built on four pillars: faith, belonging, strength & family.