Lone Soldiers
This book is 8” x 10” with over 40 color photos and 160 pages. Published by Urim and distributed by Lambda Publishers, it is currently available on Amazon.com. Look for 2012 edition., For more information or for discounted bulk orders, contact Lisa Hackel at lisa.hackel@gmail.com
Who are the Lone Soldiers of the IDF?
Nearly five years ago on a family trip to Israel following my oldest son Adam’s bar mitzvah, I first heard the term “lone soldier.” While I occasionally heard stories of Americans who volunteered to serve in the Israeli army, I had no idea there were so many young men and women from the Diaspora – approximately 4,000 at any given time from over 30 countries – who leave their homes and families to defend the State of Israel. The more I learned about their individual stories and motivations for serving in the IDF, the more I was convinced that these stories needed to be told. Thus was the beginning of Lone Soldiers: Israel’s Defenders from Around the World.
I was fortunate that Herb Keinon, the diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Post and an old friend from Denver, agreed to take on this unusual project as the writer. His profiles of the 14 individual soldiers – from 10 countries – demonstrate that every story is different, and, in the end, all are inspiring. In addition, Herb begins the book with a fascinating chapter on Lt. Col. (res.) Tzvika Levy, who is referred to as the “father of the lone soldiers” and whose own personal story is incredibly compelling. A true embodiment of “old-school” Israel, Levy’s life and devotion to these young people compliment their own stories of sacrifice as they follow their beliefs. The beautiful portraits of each soldier by photojournalist Ricki Rosen further help to engage the reader with their stories.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s foreword acknowledges the important role that these lone soldiers play in the defense of the State of Israel and the gratitude that the Israeli people feel for their voluntary service. My hope is that the book will help bring awareness and appreciation in the Diaspora as well for the choices that these young men and women have made.
- Lisa Hackel
