Frequently Asked Questions
The questions and answers here have been abbreviated to give information applicable to the largest number of visitors. Therefore, answers may not include all options available for a given situation. For more specific information, please leave a comment for us in the Contact Us section or email us at admin@alufstone.org
Q: What is Aluf Stone?
A: Per our mission statement, Aluf Stone is the veterans association of volunteers from outside Israel who served in the Israel Defense Forces. Please see the About Us section.
Q: What does Aluf Stone do?
A: Aluf Stone serves as the organizational platform for sustaining the bonds of friendship between its members. Additionally, Aluf Stone seeks to preserve the historical record of contributions made by its members to the state of Israel through service in the Israel Defense forces.
Aluf Stone holds quarterly meetings in the metropolitan New York area, and encourages chapters from throughout the world to hold meetings as well. Annually, Aluf Stone commemorates the contribution and sacrifice of members at the Mickey Marcus Memorial Ceremony at West Point Military Cemetery. Please see the section on Mickey Marcus.
Aluf Stone also serves the important function of helping recently discharged veterans adjust to life in their home communities. If you are a volunteer that was recently discharged, please Join Now.
Q: Who can join Aluf Stone?
A: Aluf Stone is a membership organization exclusive to men and women from all over the world who volunteered in the Israel Defense Forces (from outside Israel) for a significant amount of time (9 months or more). Most member of Aluf Stone entered the IDF in one of the following ways: Aliyah, Machal ’48-’49, Mahal 2000, Mahal Nachal Haredi, Mahal Hesder, Returning Israeli, Tzofim Garin Tzabar. If this does not describe you, but you think you should still be a member, please leave a comment in the Contact Us section.
Q: Can non-members attend events?
A: Some Aluf Stone events are open to family and friends of Aluf Stone members. Please speak with a current member.
Q: Is Aluf Stone part of the Israel Defense Forces or the Israeli Government?
A: Aluf Stone is not part of the Israel Defense Forces or the Israeli Government. Aluf Stone is run by members, for members.
Q: Who will know if I am a member?
A: Member names will never be displayed publicly on www.alufstone.org. Member contact information is only searchable in the password-protected members-only section. Photographs will be visible on the public site, unless a member requests otherwise.
Q: Why “Aluf Stone”?
A: Aluf Stone is named after David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus. Colonel Mickey Marcus, a native New Yorker and a graduate of West Point, served with distinction in the U.S. Military in WWII and its aftermath. At the request of David Ben Gurion, Mickey Marcus volunteered to serve as a strategic military advisor to the nascent IDF during the 1948 War of Independence. The US War Department granted leave to Colonel Marcus, a reservist in the US military, under the condition that he disguise his true name and rank. The Haganah gave him the code name "Michael Stone" and Ben Gurion personally named him Israel's first major general, or "Aluf". Please see the full biography of Mickey Marcus in the About Us section.
Q: Are there any obligations once I am a member?
A: There are no obligations for joining Aluf Stone. However, the true impact of Aluf Stone membership comes from member participation.
Q: How can I help Aluf Stone?
A: Aluf Stone appreciates any and all donations. Donations go towards website and event costs as well as advertising costs used to attract new members.
At this time, donations to Aluf Stone are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. We plan to apply for 501(c)(3) status in the future. Please visit our Donation page and make a donation today using a secure PayPal connection.