The Benji Hillman Foundation was founded in August 2006, in memory of Major Benji Hillman, who was killed in action during the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
The foundation, managed by Hillman’s cousin, Saul Burka, operates to continue Benji’s legacy and help make life easier for “lone soldiers,” who are young men and women, usually recent immigrants to Israel or Israelis from deprived backgrounds. “Lone soldiers” often have no family in Israel, may barely speak the Hebrew language and in most cases have no place of their own to go to on holidays and after being released from service.
The Foundation's flagship project, is called HaBayit Shel Benji (“Benji's Home”). It opened in February 2013 in Raa’nana, Israel, and it is now the home of 50 “lone soldiers.” There, each soldier has his/her own room, and they all enjoy satisfying meals. They also receive educational and vocational guidance.