About Us

History

Aluf Stone was founded in 2008 by two Israel Defense Forces veterans who, independent of each other and separated by over a decade, had come from abroad to serve in the Israeli army.  Living in the United States, they were looking for a way to reconnect with other veteran volunteers from their years of service as well as a way to forge new connections with veteran volunteers they had never had the opportunity to meet.

What began as informal brainstorming among two veterans quickly grew into a word-of-mouth and web 2.0 network of dozens of veterans spanning from Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 to the most recently discharged veterans.  Today, Aluf Stone is the only veterans association of volunteers from outside Israel who served in the Israel Defense Forces that is open to veteran volunteers from all years of service. 

Aluf Stone provides members with:

• Online Community – members-only online communications that include a membership directory, photo gallery, discussion forum and blog
• Meetings & Events – a way to connect with peers in person through regularly scheduled meetings and events as well as impromptu lectures and social outings
• Mentorship – one of hardest parts about serving in Israel is returning home—recently discharged veteran volunteers can call on older veterans for guidance and council

www.AlufStone.org provides visitors with:

• Education – the online home of Aluf Stone serves as a learning tool and ‘living memorial’ to the contribution and sacrifice of veteran volunteers
• Inspiration – that undefeatable passion of the first overseas volunteers continues today in the men and women who leave their home communities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces—discover their stories and share in the journey