The IDF: How Charities look out for Lone Soldiers – News from Jerusalem

There is no army or defense organization quite like the IDF, Israel Defense Forces. If General Robert E. Lee thought he was outnumbered, he never had to fight like the IDF has had to from 1948 right up to this morning. The strength of the IDF is in the boots on the ground (and on the joystick of F16’s and F-15’s and the wheel of its ships above and below the water). With few exceptions allowed, all Israelis, Sabras and the immigrants are required to serve their country by defending their soil. This is nation-building, bonding and relationship establishing all in one. There are approximately 5,700 soldiers in the IDF who fit the lone soldier profile. These are recent immigrants, sons and daughters of immigrants who have themselves recently arrived and volunteers from religious groups such as Haredim whose families object to their service.
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