Lone Soldiers tell their stories about defending Israel at Agudath Israel, Caldwell
“Lone Soldiers on the Frontlines: Life After October 7” — a program featuring IDF fighters describing their experiences defending Israel before, during, and after October 7 — will be held at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:45 p.m.
The program is part of the first American speaking tour presented by Friends of the Lone Soldiers in partnership with the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin.
Lone Soldiers are in the IDF but do not have immediate family in Israel.
The three speakers — two American-born (one from New Jersey) and one Israeli-born soldier who left her Haredi family to enlist in the IDF — each has an extraordinary service record. They will share insights into military life, resilience, and the importance of supporting Israel’s 7,000 Lone Soldiers. They will be joined by Liora Rubinstein, CEO of the center and a former senior IDF adviser on women’s affairs.
Michael Levin, originally from Pennsylvania, made aliyah in 2002 at 18 and joined the IDF as a Lone Soldier. He had completed two years of service when the Second Lebanon War broke out in July 2006. He cut short his leave in Pennsylvania, returned to Israel, and rejoined his unit. He was killed in action in August 2006. Levin’s death had a major impact in Israel; thousands of people attended his funeral, and his sacrifice inspired the creation of the Lone Soldier Center.
The speaking tour aims to raise awareness and support for the Lone Soldier Center (lonesoldiercenter.com), which provides housing, meals, guidance, and a sense of family for thousands of Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF.
Agudath Israel’s Rabbi Ari Lucas and religious leader emeritus Rabbi Alan Silverstein both had personal connections to Levin and will give their own remembrances of him at the program.
Advance registration is required; no walk-ins. To register, go to agudath.org and click on the event in the calendar. For information, call (973) 226-3600.
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