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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.

Ari & Rochel Shira Abramowitz

Co-Director

In 2009 Ari became a Lone Soldier in the IDF. During his service, Ari was ‘adopted’ and experienced having family in Israel.

After receiving his Rabbincal Ordination, Ari and his family returned to Israel to reach a greater amount of Lone Soldiers.

Lone Soldiers know they can come to the Abramowitz’s for a warm hug, listening ear and solid advice.

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.

Choni Botnick

General Manager

Choni works behind the scenes to ensure that the Lone Soldiers have a warm and welcoming home to come to. From planning, shopping, arranging and preparing – Choni makes sure the job is done.

Levi Lewin

Av Bayit

Levi served in the IDF from 2012-2014 in the Golani Unit. Levi now uses his own experience as a Lone Soldier to assist others in the same shoes, overseeing the lodging at Chayal el Chayal. With Levi, Lone Soldiers know that the dorm is open for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Shifra Abramowitz

Marketing Director

Shifra directs a talented team, taking care of Chayal el Chayal’s social media, website, design and branding.

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.

Ariele Aaron

Designer

Ariele served in the U.S. Navy before making Aliyah in 2016 and joining the team at Chayal el Chayal. She uses her creative flair and expertise to create our flyers, posters and videos.

Shaina Dubov

Chef

Cooking to feed an army – literally! Shaina plans and creates the weekly Shabbat and Holiday menu, providing the Lone Soldiers with meals that are both delicious and homemade. Shaina met her husband, Levi, a former Lone Soldier, at Chayal el Chayal.

Shlomie Ezagui

Sous-Chef

Shlomie served in the IDF’s Kfir Haruv Battalion. Afterwards, he joined Shaina at Chayal el Chayal to create delicious and homemade meals for the hundreds of Lone Soldiers who walk through the doors on a weekly basis.

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.