Lone soldiers praise Israel in honor of 70th birthday
70 lone soldiers who emigrated from 70 different countries congratulate Israel on its 70th Independence Day, and share their thoughts on what it means to be Israeli.
Thousands of lone soldiers serve in the IDF, who all came to Israel with a deep love for the country, united in their common goal to serve the nation and defend its frontiers.
Dalya, who immigrated to Israel from Mexico says that makes someone an Israeli is the ability to bargain.
Taya, who emigrated from Thailand, says that playing Paddle Ball, known in Israel as Matkot, at the beach is the ultimate sign of an Israeli. However, one of the main reasons that they decided to pack up and begin a new life in Israel was to serve in the IDF, and this, arguably, is the most Israeli one can possibly be.
As Israel celebrated its 70th Independence Day on Wednesday night and Thursday, 70 soldiers who immigrated to Israel, from 70 different countries, praised the state for its achievments.
Many new immigrants who serve in the IDF are lone soldiers are integrated into various positions in the army, and due to the sacrifices that they make which accompany emigrating to a country alone, they receive special benfits, including subsidized housing.
Lone soldiers also receive a monthly stipend for basic necessities and to cover their living costs. Moreover, unlike Israeli soldiers, the IDF permits the lone soldiers to take special vacations when their families visit, Moreover, an on-the-house flight ticket is provided to the soldiers, enabling them to visit their families abroad.
Seven thousand lone soldiers are currently serving in the IDF. 67% of them are men and 33% are females. 27% serve as combat soldiers and 28% serve in the combat support units.
