Straight from Israel

Each year, Zionistic young women from all over North America move to Israel to proudly serve in the Israel Defense Forces as Lone Soldiers. A “Lone Soldier” is a soldier in the IDF with no family in Israel to support him or her.

A fascinating story is that of not one, but four lone sister soldiers from Boston, who are simultaneously serving in the IDF, each contributing in her own unique way. The eldest is a Navy Captain active reservist in an elite unit. The second sister is a Lieutenant who serves as a pilot on the Nevatim Air Force base. The third sister is a Private in a military band. And just a few days after Israel celebrated its 74th year of independence, the youngest sister joined the IDF.

Another woman serving in the IDF is Hayley Nagelberg, daughter of Jewish National Fund-USA professional Allison Nagelberg, from New Jersey. Hayley has risen to the rank of First Lieutenant in charge of Internal Audits for the Technology Corps and she recently earned a national Soldier of Excellence award. Hayley has found her service in the IDF to be “incredibly meaningful.” She says that even when a rocket exploded outside her apartment last year, she knew that this was where she was meant to be. Back in the U.S., Hayley’s mom Allison says, “Though my daughter is not in combat, I am certainly worried when there are major military operations.” Despite these worries, Allison says that she is an incredibly proud parent.

These American stories are testaments of true Zionism! They are examples of civic dedication, encouraged by strong Jewish family values. Their journey is made possible by lone soldier aide before, during and after their military commitment. Largely with support from JNF-USA’s affiliate organization Nefesh B’Nefesh, these dedicated, idealistic women are ensured a holistic feeling of security, including a warm and welcoming home in Israel.  The program helps them acclimate to Israel with outings and visits to heritage sites to connect the women to the Land. The program also helps the women network and find jobs within the National Service plan, often working with Israel’s underserved populations.

Gal Kessler Rohs, one of the writers of this article, also has a story: “Just like the American lone soldiers mentioned above, it was my love of Israel and my upbringing that brought me to serve as a Lone Soldier. My father’s family escaped Europe during the war and settled in Israel to help build the State. My grandmother danced the hora in the streets of Tel Aviv, celebrating the proclamation of the Balfour Declaration. My grandfather served in the air force. I continued my family’s mission and served with pride as a Lone Soldier in the air force. It is with gratitude that I look toward Israel’s future, knowing that JNF’s support of the Lone Soldier program is enabling today’s young Zionists to walk in the footsteps of my grandfather, myself, Hayley and the four sisters from Boston. Together they are all working to keep Israel strong.”

Written by Gal Kessler Rohs of California and Roni Wolk, Assistant VP of the National Women for Israel Executive Board