Soldiers from ultra-Orthodox homes often encounter refusal from their families to maintain contact, or alternatively, avoid returning to the place where they grew up when they go on leave from the army.
Now, as dozens of young ultra-Orthodox men have enlisted in the new Hashmonaim Brigade, and some of them are dealing with this complex reality in their homes, "Beit Roy," the first apartment for ultra-Orthodox soldiers from the Brigade where they can sojourn during their leave, was inaugurated this week in Jerusalem's Kiryat Yovel Neighborhood.
The house is named after Captain Roy Miller, a commander in the Tomer Company, who fell during combat in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood in July. Roy's parents participated in the ceremony, perceiving it as a continuation of his custom.
Ariela Daniels Miller, Roy's mother, said at the ceremony: "This is a moving gesture that commemorates the courage, love of people, and joy of heart that was the way of my son, of blessed memory. Through 'Beit Roy' we will continue his legacy of helping lone soldiers and providing them with a real home. We will do everything in our power to maintain contact with and assist the soldiers in the apartment, in Roy's spirit and memory."
Established at the initiative of the "Shomer Israel" Association, "Beit Roy,", joins a network of more than 20 apartments, serving more than 200 lone soldiers throughout the country.
Yossi Levy, CEO of the "Shomer Israel" Association (Netzach Yehuda), said: "Opening 'Beit Roy' is a continuation of our mission to provide lone soldiers with a warm and safe place. Roy was a commander who dedicated his heart to his soldiers, and there is no nobler way to commemorate his spirit."
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The project was made possible thanks to a donation from the Dr. David Drelich Fund, managed by Dr. Fred Krause and Steven Drelich, in memory of Dr. David Drelich, who were partners in making the dream a reality.
Adrian Treger, Vice President of the "Nahal Haredi" Association, noted: "The establishment of 'Beit Roy' is a wonderful example of the power of mutual responsibility and the unity of the people of Israel. We are proud to be part of an initiative that provides lone soldiers, not only with a roof over their heads, but also warmth, love, and a sense of family—just as Roy himself gave to all those that he met."
In addition to Roy's family, his commanders from the Tomer Company in Givati, soldiers from the Hashmonaim Brigade, family members, and Adir Schwartz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, participated in the inauguration of the house in memory of Roy.
About 70 Haredi soldiers serve in a unique base in the Hashmonaim Brigade, where their ultra-Orthodox lifestyle is meticulously preserved, alongside about 100 ultra-Orthodox reservists who served in combat support roles and are undergoing conversion training to qualify them for combat.