For One Day, a Family: How Israel Helps Lone Soldiers Put Their Lives in Order
More than 9,000 lone soldiers came to EXPO Tel Aviv last week to take care of the errands that pile up when there is no family nearby to help.
More than 9,000 lone soldiers came to EXPO Tel Aviv last week to take care of the errands that pile up when there is no family nearby to help.
Sitting in their apartment on a sweltering summer afternoon, bowed by old age but not broken, Sandy and Rosalie tell the story of their lives, their aliyah, and their future.
"We will propose a national plan that will call on young people to return home and on Jews around the world to make aliyah to Israel, because this is our national home," Eisenkot said.
“We’re running on fumes, but exhilarated,” Jordan, one of the new olim (immigrants) and a father of six girls, told The Jerusalem Post at the airport.
"I’m releasing the onesies in very limited drops and collaborating with Israeli local artists," said Miriam Agranat. "They’re doing extremely bold, colorful prints."
MATI Jerusalem gives new immigrants the guidance, tools, and confidence they need to launch successful businesses and keep them growing.
There has been a sharp rise in immigration since October 7, as 300 young Jews are expected to make aliyah this summer and join the IDF as lone soldiers.
From birth certificates to apostilles, the documents that can turn generations of family history into verifiable proof for an Aliyah application.
All three of the family's children are named after fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terrorism, reflecting the family's strong emotional connection to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Since October 7, the number of olim from France has risen sharply: In 2023, Israel welcomed 1,097 new French immigrants. In 2024, the number doubled to 2,234, and grew to 3,357 in 2025.
The friends had arrived in the IDF via different routes. One told me about the influence of Bnei Akiva, another of family history, friends who had already served. Oct. 7, was central for all seven.