Paratroop commandos
Photo: Reuters
'Brothers in arms' make aliyah
Darren, 21, and Brett, 19, Kaplan from Florida immigrate to Israel to enlist in IDF commandos
Darren Kaplan, 21, from Boca Raton, Florida dreamed of enlisting in the Israeli
army since he was four years old.
When he was 16 he first informed his parents that it was his intention to immigrate to Israel and enlist in the IDF. His parents asked that he at least finish college before he puts on an army uniform. Darren agreed, and within three years he completed his studies for a BA degree with distinction.
Beating the Odds
Avigail Kedem
At 14, Reut Bernard from Rishon Lezion was diagnosed with cancer. Today, in addition to serving at the IDF's Bamahane newspaper, she helps young cancer patients cope
When his brother Brett, 19, who calls himself Darren’s number one fan, understood that Darren was about to go ahead and enlist, he also decided to immigrate to Israel together with his brother.
The brothers' parents adamantly opposed the idea, but were finally persuaded by their hard boiled Zionist sons.
This week the brothers will immigrate in a group flight of new immigrants organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Absorption Ministry, Jewish Agency and the Tzofim Garin Tzabar.
The declared purpose of the two brothers is to enlist together in the paratroop commandos.
"I will miss Florida, the beaches, the relaxation, the Mexican food I love and especially my dogs. I am positive we will see our parents frequently,” says Brett Kaplan.
“I am very excited to enlist in the IDF and very happy that I can have this wonderful experience together with my brother Darren, who is my best friend in the world.”
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
