Lone Soldiers: Israel's Defenders from Around the World
At a time when criticism of Israel, from within and from without, seems commonplace, it is refreshing and inspiring to read Herb Keinon's ''Lone Soldiers: Israel's Defenders from Around the World,'' a story about so much that is good and unique about Israel.... This book reminds us that the IDF is the institution that brings Israelis together, that it is the glue that keeps an ideologically diverse society whole, and is the vehicle to bring outsiders, whether foreigners or natives, to becoming full Israelis. Lone Soldiers is one more reason to be thankful for Israel, thankful for the IDF, and thankful for people like Tzvika Levy who make sure that the lone soldier is not alone.--Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League.The Israeli Defense Force is the heart and soul of Israeli life. It is in the core of our values and the foundation of our culture.... The lone soldiers are unique individuals who, despite their unusual personal status, give and contribute to the IDF wholeheartedly. The IDF and the State of Israel need to show their gratitude for these wonderful youngsters.... Let this book be a tribute to the vast contribution of the lone soldiers to the Israeli army and our nation. --Shaul Mofaz, former IDF Chief of General Staff and former Defense Minister. This special book, written by Herb Keinon, tells the wonderful tale of fourteen lone soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces and the heart-warming story of a unique man, Tzvika Levy,... who is known as the ''father of the lone soldiers.''... The importance and contribution of the lone soldiers to the State of Israel and the IDF is immeasurable.... The personal example shown by the lone soldiers, who come from afar and volunteer to serve of their own free will out of pure Zionist ideas, is an educational value of the first degree.... Herb Keinon's book is a testimony to the love of Israel and to the unity and cooperation between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora. --Ehud Barak, Defense Minister and former Prime Minister in the foreword to Lone Soldiers: Israel's Defenders from Around the World. The Israeli Defense Force is the heart and soul of Israeli life. It is in the core of our values and the foundation of our culture.... The lone soldiers are unique individuals who, despite their unusual personal status, give and contribute to the IDF wholeheartedly. The IDF and the State of Israel need to show their gratitude for these wonderful youngsters.... Let this book be a tribute to the vast contribution of the lone soldiers to the Israeli army and our nation. --Shaul Mofaz, former IDF Chief of General Staff and former Defense Minister. This special book, written by Herb Keinon, tells the wonderful tale of fourteen lone soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces and the heart-warming story of a unique man, Tzvika Levy,... who is known as the ''father of the lone soldiers.''... The importance and contribution of the lone soldiers to the State of Israel and the IDF is immeasurable.... The personal example shown by the lone soldiers, who come from afar and volunteer to serve of their own free will out of pure Zionist ideas, is an educational value of the first degree.... Herb Keinon's book is a testimony to the love of Israel and to the unity and cooperation between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora. --Ehud Barak, Defense Minister and former Prime Minister in the foreword to Lone Soldiers: Israel's Defenders from Around the WorldFor Israel a tiny nation surrounded by hostile countries national defense is a very serious matter. Because the need to remain on guard against attacks from her neighbors is critical, military service is mandatory at 18, men are drafted for three years of service, and women for two. Serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a profound rite of passage for Israelis: Not only does it vault teenagers into adulthood and single out leaders, but it is one of the key areas in which Israelis from every demographic group mingle.A new, powerful book, Lone Soldiers: Israel's Defenders from Around the World , tells the stories of fourteen lone soldiers. Written by veteran Jerusalem Post correspondent Herb Keinon, the book's narratives and vivid color photos offer glimpses of life in the Israeli military. The fourteen soldiers tell their reasons for choosing this sacrifice and privilege: Some left behind lives of opportunity and promise in their countries of origin; others came from humble backgrounds and saw Israel as a land that would provide them with openings they could not have had at home; some sought refuge from anti-Semitism. Whatever their unique story, all found a sense of purpose when arriving in Israel: Defending the Jewish homeland. ---Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, IFCJThe Israeli Defense Force is the heart and soul of Israeli life. It is in the core of our values and the foundation of our culture.... The lone soldiers are unique individuals who, despite their unusual personal status, give and contribute to the IDF wholeheartedly. The IDF and the State of Israel need to show their gratitude for these wonderful youngsters.... Let this book be a tribute to the vast contribution of the lone soldiers to the Israeli army and our nation. --Shaul Mofaz, former IDF Chief of General Staff and former Defense Minister