Walking through rural Raanana for Habayit shel Benji

The fourth annual community sponsored walk in aid of the Benji Hillman Foundation took place in Raanana on Friday April 30. Some 1500 people, including toddlers and octogenarians, came from as far afield as Ramat HaGolan to join local residents to raise funds for HaBayit shel Benji, the home for lone soldiers being built in Raanana in memory of Benji Hillman, who was killed in action in the second Lebanon war in July 2006.

“I’m here to support this important cause, and also as a gesture of continuing moral support for the family,” said one walker who came specially from Jerusalem. “Taking a few hours out of my time to attend this event is the least I can do.”

Another walker, a recently discharged lone soldier, expressed the view that one of the most important services to be provided by Habayit shel Benji was the educational and vocational guidance which will be offered to all lone combat soldiers, not just residents of the home, who are approaching the end of their army service.

“Of course it’s really important that a soldier with no home to go to will have a comfortable room, meals and somewhere to do his laundry when he gets leave from the army,” he said.  “All that would have made a big difference to me when I was in the army. But I think one of the most difficult times is actually when you’re discharged, and suddenly all your framework and structure have gone. Quite a few lone soldiers leave Israel because they don’t know which way to go after the army. It will make a huge difference if you can get guidance on educational and career options and support through that next phase.”

Donations are still coming in from the walk, which has so far raised NIS 180,000. “The annual community sponsored walk is our main fundraiser, and we are delighted at the success of this fourth walk,” said Danny Hillman, Benji’s father. “We’re nearly at our target, and we’re looking forward to progressing the building of HaBayit shel Benji and being able to continue Benji’s legacy of helping the soldiers who need it the most.”

For further information about the Foundation visit www.benjihillman.org or call Saul Rurka, +972 (0)52 662 2851.

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Barbara Grant

Barbara Grant is a freelance academic editor who previously worked in marketing and PR in the high-tech sector. She made aliyah from the UK in 1996 and lives in Raanana ...
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