American Jews, other 'lone soldiers' serve Israel

news.yahoo.com The two Americans killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip followed in the footsteps of scores of Jews from around the world who have volunteered to fight for Israel. Israel calls them the lone soldiers: They are men and women in the prime of their lives who have left their parents and often comfortable lives behind in places like Sydney, London, Los Angeles and elsewhere to join the Israel Defense Forces, marching in the desert and taking up arms to defend the Jewish state. There were about 5,500 lone soldiers serving in the military in 2012, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Groups for families of lone soldiers have recently started in Los Angeles and other cities, providing a support network as the fighting intensifies. For Jews who left Israel before the age of 15 or who never lived there, their service is voluntary. For many, it is a calling, a way to get back to their roots and unite the world's Jewish population. Some have dual citizenship. to read more: news.yahoo.com