The Israeli army is served by thousands of “lone” soldiers who have come from all corners of the globe, leaving behind family and friends, to fight for their ancestral homeland.

And while these brave young men and women make this sacrifice proudly, it nevertheless elicits tears of great joy to be reunited with their loved ones.

Likewise, it is a gut-wrenching time for local Israeli families when their young sons, aged just 18–20, must go and fight in places like Hamas-ruled Gaza. Their safe homecoming is cause for much weeping and prayers of thanksgiving.