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Our Team

Mordy & Malkah Esther Botnick

Founders & Co-Director

Mordy joined the IDF as a Lone Soldier in 2009. After seeing a need for Lone Soldier’s like himself to have a warm Shabbat meal and place to sleep, he opened his doors and Chayal el Chayal was born.

Mordy married Malkah Esther, the sister of a fellow Lone Soldier.

As a Lone Soldier, you can count on the Botnicks to enjoy a hot meal, inspiring words and personal guidance and attention.

Yossi Antopolsky

Bodedim B’Yachad Director

Yossi served in the IDF as a Staff Sergeant from 2013-2016. Afterwards he joined the team as the Bodedim B’Yachad Director. He assists former Lone Soldiers by providing personal guidance, events, courses and a sense of community.

Chana Ezagui

Program Coordinator

A woman with many hats, Chana takes care of Chayal el Chayal’s social media and monthly eNewsletter, ensures that events run smoothly, takes care of email correspondence and packages from children worldwide, gives out gear to our troops and more… all in a day’s work.

Moshe & Sarah Epstein

Program Directors

Moshe served in the IDF as a Staff Sergeant from 2013-2015. He met his wife Sarah in Israel and they were married in July of 2016. In March of 2018 they had a baby boy, Yisrael Bunim. Making the Lone Soldiers feel at home is what they do!

Rachel Baruch

Bookkeeper

Rachel takes care of the books at Chayal el Chayal ensuring that your donation goes directly to the Lone Soldiers. Additionally, Rachel’s children served in the IDF and she enjoys helping with whatever she can.