ASI Canada is the only non-profit organization in Canada that supports Israeli soldiers on active duty. We are the Canadian partner of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers (AWIS).
AWIS is an international, non-profit, non-political organization whose main objective is to promote the wellbeing of Israel's sons and daughters in uniform.
By initiating and helping support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilities, the ASI strives to boost the morale of the IDF soldiers who defend the Jewish homeland, and allows them precious moments of rest, essential for their strength and endurance.
The SPIRIT program has a distinct focus on the psychological wellbeing of soldiers after long periods of intense and life-threatening duty. The objective of the SPIRIT program is to grant these soldiers a fun and carefree break at one of our rest and recreation facilities.
A week of R&R allows them to return to serve Israel with renewed strength, and allows us the opportunity to show these brave young men and women how much we appreciate their hard work and sacrifice.
The centres are equipped with sleeping facilities, swimming pools, fitness rooms, Internet facilities, and provide three meals a day, entertainment, and much more.
One out of every five new IDF recruits comes from a disadvantaged background. The DIGNITY Program distributes critical aid that enables these deserving young soldiers to serve with a clear mind, knowing that their families have food on their plates, can pay their bills, and will stay afloat until the soldiers return to civilian life.
The Association funds special grants, food allowances and holiday food vouchers for soldiers-in-need and their families. A process has been established that effectively and efficiently disburses funds raised for these soldiers and their families.
A Lone Soldier is one who does not have family support in Israel. He or she may be a young Israeli who has been orphaned, or comes from a dysfunctional family environment. He or she may be one of more than 3,000 young men and women who choose to leave the comfort and safety of their homes and families to journey to Israel and enlist in the Israel Defense Force.
The Association looks after these soldiers with caring support, housing, and financial aid as needed.
Front line bases are not equipped with a soldier’s comfort in mind. Many army units are constantly on the move from one place to another. An innovative use of mobile facilities such as club rooms, fitness rooms and synagogues enables the Association to bring some of the physical, emotional and spiritual amenities of home to the soldiers on active duty.
“The mobile clubs built by the Friends of the IDF give us a place to relax in the little downtime we have. Those clubs remind us that we’re not alone – that people halfway around the world love and support us.”
ASI capital projects help build or refurbish recreation centres, gyms, club rooms, synagogues, soldiers’ hostels, medical facilities, Internet labs and auditoriums throughout Israel. These facilities – made possible through the generous financial support of the Association’s donors have proven themselves time and again to significantly enhance the quality of life for the men and women of the IDF.
Plaques can be placed on these facilities to honour donors as a continuing symbol of their support.
Between 14,000-20,000 soldiers are hospitalized every year. This program assists soldiers who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty. From their arrival at the hospital, through the process of recovery and rehabilitation, leading to their return to service, the Association provides caring assistance with such amenities as the distribution of personal kits, cable television, access to cellular phones so they can communicate with their families and friends, and gift packages for Shabbat and holidays. Our volunteers visit and provide comfort, refreshments, and emotional support.
All along Israel’s roads, the ASI maintains sheltered hitchhiking and bus stations for soldiers. At main junctions, we provide roadside kiosks staffed by volunteers who serve free or low-priced refreshments to soldiers.