OUR COMMUNITY
A Lone Soldier’s Story
Grandson of local Holocaust survivor honors his family by serving in Israel Defense Forces. RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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COURTESY FIDF
ABOVE: Joseph Icikson during Chanukah. LEFT: Icikson is an active soldier in the IDF.
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MARCH 17 • 2022
hile there are many soldiers throughout Israel who serve for various reasons from the U.S. some follow in their family’s footsteps. That’s exactly what Joseph Icikson, whose grandparents live in Metro Detroit, decided to do. Joseph Icikson of New York, age 22, is an active combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Instead of studying in college like most people his age, he decided to serve as a soldier in one of the world’s most dangerous war zones. Joseph shared his pride with the Detroit Jewish News over an email saying it’s an honor to serve. “I am truly lucky to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of both my family and all of the Jewish people. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from where we were not too long ago,” he wrote. Joseph’s grandparents are William and Esther Icikson. They spoke over the phone with the Jewish News, saying how happy they are after hearing their grandson wanted to follow their example. “Israel was very special and deep in our heart because I served in the army and my husband fought for Israel. So, it’s very special,” Esther said. William is also a survivor of the Holocaust,
