About Us
Our Mission.
Lone Soldiers deserve real homes to call their own- in locations that will enable them to thrive in Israel during and after the army.
We are committed to providing affordable housing to Lone Soldiers in prime locations in Israel. We believe that with a home they love, Lone Soldiers and veterans will have the foundation they need to create a life in Israel.
Our goal is to help Lone Soldiers stay in Israel for the long-term.
Solving the Housing Crisis
Our goal is to make it easier for Lone Soldiers to find homes during and and after the army. Our focus in on solving challenges related to access and affordability.
ACCESS ISSUES
In places like Tel Aviv, the barriers of entry are too high for Lone Soldiers seeking apartments. As new immigrants, many lack Israeli bank accounts, official documentation, and access to funds to pre-pay rent. As a result, rental applications for Lone Soldiers rarely get accepted by landlords.
There are several organizations around Israel that provide housing to Lone Soldiers but not enough to meet the needs of the 6000+ who need a place to live.
By pursuing a mission to establish a network of dedicated Lone Soldier homes, we believe we can unlock hundreds of new housing opportunities.
THE AFFORDABility GAP
Tel Aviv is the ninth most expensive city in the world. The average apartment in Tel Aviv rents for ₪5,603 a month ($1,526) . For most Lone Soldiers, that’s a price they can’t afford. With an army housing stipend of ₪1,300 per month, the city where Lone Soldiers are most likely to flourish is out of reach.
But there is hope. The strength of Tel Aviv’s real estate market attracts many foreign investors. We believe that by finding charitable property owners that are willing to rent to Lone Soldiers at below market rates, we can solve the affordability crisis together.
Meet the Team
Yael Bialer Rahamim, CEO
Yael joined Bayit Brigade in 2024 as the organization’s first CEO. With 15+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, Yael brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Before joining Bayit Brigade, Yael spent 7 years as the Vice-CEO of Desert Stars, an Israeli nonprofit focused on developing the leadership skills of Bedouin youth. Prior to that she held roles at The Jewish Agency for Israel, Aharai, and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. Yael has an B.A. in Sociology & Management, and an M.A. in Sociology from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Yael was born and raised in Jerusalem as a 7th generation Israeli and currently lives with her family in Kibbutz Kramim in the Negev.
Board of Directors
Max Long
Max is a Lone Soldier and founder of Growing Wings Foundation. He splits time between Israel and the US.
Aaron Snyder
Aaron was Bayit Brigade’s first apartment host. He leads fundraising and lives in Chicago.
Mike Godlin
Mike is a Financial Advisor and support Bayit Brigade’s fundraising campaign. He lives in Chicago.
Aaron Lyon
Aaron leads Bayit Brigade strategy and oversees day-to-day activities. He lives in Boston.
Barak Daon
Barak is a former Lone soldier and founder of Daon Group Real Estate. He lives in Tel Aviv.
Yonah Liben
Yonah manages BB’s global partnerships. He was a Lone Soldier in Nahal and lives in Tel Aviv.
Contact Us
Bayit Brigade America
1235 N. Clybourn Ave, Suite 237-A, Chicago, IL 60610
US Phone: 551-223-8810
Tax ID (EIN) 83-4215005
Bayit Brigade Israel - פלוגת בית ע"ר
Dizengoff St 237, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Israel Phone: +972 52-286-5858
Israeli ID: 5807 10085