Israel to Establish First National Memorial for Lone Soldiers

Jerusalem, Israel – Israel is set to establish its first national memorial dedicated to lone soldiers—foreign-born troops who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) without immediate family in the country.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Knesset’s Committee for Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs, aims to honor the sacrifices of these individuals who have chosen to defend Israel as their home.

During a committee hearing on Tuesday, MK Oded Forer (Yisrael Beiteinu), chair of the committee, announced that the Defense Ministry and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) had officially approved the project.

The government has allocated NIS 500,000 ($135,000) to construct the memorial in Yaar HaMeginim (Defenders’ Forest), a national site commemorating fallen soldiers.

Honoring the Sacrifices of Lone Soldiers

“Lone soldiers represent the unwavering commitment of Jewish youth from around the world who choose to serve and defend Israel,” Forer stated.

“This memorial is long overdue, and I thank KKL and the Defense Ministry for their swift support. We must ensure the monument is completed in time for the upcoming Memorial Day.”

Israel has thousands of lone soldiers, many from countries including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, and South America. The memorial will serve as a tribute to those who fell in combat, reinforcing Israel’s recognition of their sacrifices.

A Collaborative Effort

The initiative was first proposed by Yair Ran Feld of the Tzabar Garin organization, which supports lone soldiers from the Diaspora.

“We are in close contact with all relevant parties in KKL and the Defense Ministry,” Feld said. “It is important for us to be actively involved in the planning process to ensure the memorial appropriately honors the fallen.”

Keren Friedman of the HESEG Foundation, which provides scholarships to former lone soldiers, highlighted the challenges in compiling an official list of all lone soldiers who have died in Israel’s wars.

“In my vision, this site will host large groups, and it is essential that each fallen soldier’s personal story is told and honored properly,” she said.

Incorporating Modern Technology

The Defense Ministry’s Memorials and Commemoration Department will oversee the monument’s design.

Amit Kapach, head of the department, emphasized that the memorial will be “respectful and dignified, created not just as a formality but as a heartfelt tribute to the lone soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Kapach also revealed that digital technology will be integrated into the site, allowing visitors to access information about individual soldiers and their personal histories.

Construction Set to Begin in 2025

Yael Dolev, project coordinator at KKL, confirmed that the initiative has been included in the organization’s 2025 work plan.

“We will consider all recommendations in the planning phase, and we are committed to completing the memorial within the designated timeframe,” she said.

The initiative has garnered broad political support. MK Tatiana Mazarsky (Yesh Atid) underscored the importance of recognizing new immigrants who serve in the IDF.

“It is the state’s responsibility to grant the proper honor to these brave individuals who fought and fell defending Israel,” she stated.

A Historic Tribute

The memorial in Yaar HaMeginim will become a permanent national site of remembrance, ensuring future generations recognize the contributions of lone soldiers.

While Israel currently has smaller tributes to lone soldiers, including a section in Mount Herzl National Cemetery, this will be the first stand-alone monument solely dedicated to their memory.

The project’s approval reflects Israel’s broader commitment to strengthening ties with the global Jewish community and honoring those who choose to serve the nation despite leaving their families behind.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members