Named after Major Benji Hillman, who was killed in action in the Lebanese village of Maroun a-Ras at the beginning of the Second Lebanon War on July 20, 2006, HaBayit shel Benji, located in Ra'anana, was opened in 2013.

 

The Bayit (Home) was built, with the generous assistance of The Legacy Heritage Fund (New York) and thousands of donors worldwide, to provide a real home for lone combat soldiers. 

 

Each soldier has their own room in HaBayit shel Benji for the duration of their army service and an adjustment period afterwards. They receive hot meals, laundry services, and a supportive environment catering to their every need just as they would with their family. 

 

Since opening in January 2013, HaBayit shel Benji quickly became regarded as the home for lone combat soldiers in Israel and currently houses 48 young men and women, who are selected by the IDF welfare officers, with a waiting list of soldiers waiting to be accepted.  

 

Responding to many requests from all sectors of Israeli society to expand the home, HaBayit shel Benji is currently building another floor, (again with the help of the generosity of private donors from around the world) and by the end  of August 2016 the Bayit will be home to 75 lone combat soldiers.

 

The home also runs a Guidance Center to help 300 lone soldiers a year nearing the end of their army service to transition into civilian life. The Guidance Center is open to all lone soldiers not only to the residents of the Bayit.
 

HaBayit shel Benji and the Guidance Center are run by professional managers with many years of experience in working with young adults. The Bayit also employs a house mother, and a maintenance and cleaning staff. 

 

Volunteers from the Ra'anana area provide extra support in all aspects of the house including supporting the soldiers. Each soldier is adopted by a local family, who attend their army ceremonies, and offer support on other occasions when lone soldiers are acutely aware of being on their own.