Boston family makes history as four sisters serve together as Lone Soldiers in IDF

Fourth and youngest daughter enlists on heels of Israel’s 74th Independence Day, joining nearly 50 Massachusetts Lone Soldiers

Tel Aviv (May 11, 2022) – A special Boston family has made history, as its fourth and youngest daughter made the brave and noble decision to head to Israel where she is now serving as a Lone Soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), alongside her three older sisters. According to public records, this is the first time ever that a family from the U.S. has four daughters serving simultaneously.

Just a few days after Israel celebrated its 74th year of independence, Y (18.5), enlisted to serve, with the assistance of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) – Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldier Program. Y joins the 45+ Massachusetts-based Lone Soldiers currently defending the State of Israel.

Y’s sisters, Captain A (24.5), Lieutenant O (23) and Private A (20), each serve in prestigious positions in the IDF. Captain (Res.) A, the eldest of the four sisters, is an active reservist in an elite Navy unit. Lieutenant O, the second-born, completed a pilot’s course and currently serves as a pilot in the 120th squadron on the Nevatim Air Force base. Private A, who is extremely skilled in singing and acting, serves in the esteemed IDF military band.

(L-R, face blurred for anonymity): Lieutenant O, Private A, Captain A, Private Y. Photo credit: Yossi Zwecker.

“There is no doubt that my sisters had an influence on my decision, but it is also probably part of the DNA our parents instilled in us,” explained Y, regarding her new enlistment. “The connection between my family and Israel was strong and significant to our way of life. I know that the service will be challenging, but I am looking forward to it.”

When asked if their parents were also planning to make Aliyah, the sisters responded, “They finally have some quiet, and they feel like a young couple again. There’s no need to hurry.”

The family’s dedication to Israel runs deep. Their mother is an employee of FIDF and has supported each one of her daughters in her individual journey. “Being the parent of a Lone Soldier, not to mention four, is not easy but it’s nothing compared to what it’s like for the young woman or man who is living away from their family and all that is familiar. I’m so proud that our girls acted on their beliefs and, while the difficulties have been real since my eldest enlisted, our family has experienced an abundance of care and guidance from organizations like FIDF, NBN and Garin Tzabar.” She went on to say, “In my professional career, I have the distinct privilege of assisting other families of Lone Soldiers, and I’m humbled by the profound support of FIDF leadership and my colleagues.”

Noya Govrin, director of the FIDF – Nefesh B’Nefesh – Lone Soldiers Program, said, “These women are without a doubt the true embodiment of love for our homeland, and they are a source of inspiration and Zionism in its purest form. We are pleased that the number of young people from North America and around the world who want to make Aliyah and volunteer for the IDF as Lone Soldiers is growing. We are working hard to ensure that they are provided with the holistic support they need, as well as the feeling of home during their dedicated service.”

FIDF CEO Steven Weil said, “The brave sisters of this family have made the noble decision to leave their home in the U.S. in order to protect Israel and the Jewish people by serving in very challenging roles. It is inspiring for us to witness their tremendous contributions, and we are very appreciative of the enormous sacrifice they have made and continue to make, along with all the young men and women who have chosen this path.”

About Nefesh B’Nefesh (www.nbn.org. il): Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh to its over 70,000 newcomers have ensured that 90% of its Olim have remained in Israel.