Max Long
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Serving on the front lines in Israel is hard, but for thousands of IDF lone soldiers-without family nearby-the obstacles multiply.
As an IDF lone soldier himself, Max knew the loneliness of serving in a foreign country, and wanted to ensure that no other lone soldier feels alone. So Max, along with two friends, co-founded GroWings, Inc., a nonprofit offering a comprehensive network of support for IDF lone soldiers before, during, and after their service.
Launched five years ago, the initiative has helped 5,000 lone soldiers, and counting, access subsidies for basic needs, navigate Israeli bureaucracy, and forge a community of lone soldiers. And through Max's partnership with the nonprofit Bayit Brigade, GroWings helps match IDF soldiers with affordable housing-hard to come by in Israel.
After recently completing his sixth deployment as a reserve soldier in Gaza earlier this summer, Max now lives in Chicago and is studying at DePaul University.
"If every Jew was a percentage as passionate and committed to Israel as Max, the world would be ok," his brother wrote. "Max is a true hero."
AGE:
27
PRIMARY GIG:
Co-founder and Executive Director of GroWings
ON THE SIDE:
Student and Israeli activist
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Zionist, Jew, driven, caring, creative, community, family, outgoing, determined, generous
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I live with my girlfriend and two dogs. One of my dogs was a rescue that I found during my recent deployment in Gaza. He was badly abused and had been injured so I brought him back to Israel in my army bag and he is now living with us in Chicago.
