Lone, But Not Alone

The Fellowship  |  August 17, 2017

The Fellowship does all it can to support the IDF’s lone soldiers – those who have come to Israel from elsewhere to serve in the Israeli military. So, too, do the people of Israel, Alon Kuba writes at Israel Hayom, showing warmth and compassion for these selfless young people who have left everything behind (family, friends, employment, etc.) in order to defend the Jewish state and her citizens:

Try for a moment to imagine you are alone, far from your family, in a foreign land with people who do not speak your language and with no deep knowledge of your culture.

We all feel alone sometimes. This is especially true for soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces, and in combat units in particular, where young men and women undergo the types of experiences that connect them not only to the army but to their families as well. Every step of the way, from recruitment through basic training through receiving the unit beret at the end of training courses, tearful and proud mothers and fathers can usually be found sharing in their child’s excitement during those moments that will their shape their personalities and affect them for the rest of their lives.

On the other hand, the strong sense of longing for the warmth and safety of home that arises ahead of the weekend and during difficult times, and the sadness felt by those who have to remain on base, are familiar feelings for every soldier.

A lone soldier, on the other hand, is alone by definition. They have no family here in Israel. They do not have the privilege of going home every two or three weeks to their familiar homes and loving families…