Lone soldier

‘We're lone soldiers, but we're not lonely’: How the IDF supports fighters without families

“Olim (immigrant) soldiers who come from abroad to Israel do it purely out of a sense of Zionism and because they really want to take part in helping Israel and helping the IDF.”

Staff Sergeant Oren Metzuyanim, a 21-year-old lone soldier at the main rehearsal of the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 19, 2026.
Jewish immigrants fleeing the war in Ukraine, on a rescue flight sponosred by the IFCJ, arrive at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on March 6, 2022.

Tel Aviv to establish new 'beit oleh' to support immigrants, lone soldiers, vice-mayor says

 Over 150 lone soldiers join the IDF through Garin Tzabar Scouts program.

Government approves dedicated unit to assist new immigrants serving in IDF

After October 7, the battlefield expanded online, where narratives spread as fast as the war itself.

'Digital Warrior': How a lone soldier shaped Israel's global narrative after October 7


Defense Ministry: 9,250 wounded in nine months of fighting

The ministry predicts that there the number of wounded will rise to 14,000 by the end of 2024.

 Anat Meir mourns near the grave of her husband, Sayeret Matkal officer David Meir, who was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7, July 9, 2024

Israel’s lone warriors: Foreign students answer the call to arms - opinion

Three hundred former lone soldiers are enrolled at Reichman University’s Raphael Recanati International School.

THE WRITER (center) and Sylvia Kassoff (far right), head of student well-being on campus, meet with reservists after they were discharged.

Meet Asher Leeder, the rabbi and martial artist who helps IDF troops with chiropractic issues

Jerusalemite of the Week: Asher Leeder is an ordained rabbi and a black belt martial artist in Tora Dojo. Here in Israel, he uses his chiropractic skills to help IDF lone soldiers.

 Rabbi Asher Leeder

'These young people making aliyah are not alone': Young olim explore IDF opportunities

"I salute and thank the young Olim who will soon become soldiers and serve in the IDF,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration, MK Ofir Sofer. 

Pictured left to right, Yaron Shavit, Deputy Chair of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Minister of Aliyah and Integration, MK Ofir Sofer, and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh

From Argentina to the Air Force: Yael Berolsky's incredible aliyah story

'There is no better place in the world for Jews to live,” says Berolsky. “I am so glad to be here, and very proud to be an Israeli.'

 YAEL (Iael) Berolsky, 30, from Buenos Aires.

From Argentina to frontlines: Lone soldier Ilan Cohen killed in Gaza friendly fire incident

Sergeant Ilan Cohen, 20, was a Sergeant in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratrooper Brigade.

 Sergeant Ilan Cohen

Netanyahu to IDF excellence award recipients: 'You represent the best of Israel'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with two soldiers out of 120 who were at his residence to receive an award for their excellence.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits wounded soldiers and civilians on December 19, 2023

Remembering the unsung American and Canadians heroes in Israel

Since 1967, the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel has held an annual ceremony to recognize fallen Israeli soldiers from North America.

 Remembrance Day ceremony held on May 12, 2024 at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Nefesh B’Nefesh and FIDF host inaugural lone soldiers driver’s license conversion day

The event was attended by 1000 Lone Soldiers as well as National Service Volunteers, expediting the conversion of their foreign driver’s licenses in one day

 nbn lsp license conversion day may 2024

‘Together for Seder’ event brings together lone soldiers and their families abroad

IDF olim lone soldiers celebrated Passover with family from abroad at "Together for Seder" event. Ofir Sofer thanked the soldiers for their "solidarity and Zionism."

 Lone Soldiers and their families pose with Jewish Agency CEO Amira Ahronoviz, Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer and Chairman of The Jewish Agency Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog