de Toledo High School is honored and proud to have many alumni who are either now serving, or previously served, as Lone Soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).  

The term “Lone Soldiers” refers to those young men and women actively serving in the IDF – often volunteering from abroad – with no immediate family in Israel to rely upon for support. Our hearts especially swell with pride for the Lone Soldiers from our own community who have put their personal lives on hold to serve and protect Israel and the Jewish people.

With the joyous holiday of Purim just around the corner, we are hoping to bring a bit of festive spirit to our heroes stationed on military bases or positioned on the front lines.  To do that, we will be delivering – in partnership with Connection Israel – traditional Purim gift baskets (Mishloach Manot) to de Toledo alumni and community members now serving as IDF Lone Soldiers. 

Please note:  in addition to being a partner in sponsoring Mishloach Manot for our own IDF Lone Soldiers, you can also sponsor a Company, Platoon, Team, or Squad.

The Lone Soldiers’ units we will be adopting are:

• Yarden M. (’22):  Yarden decided to postpone college in order to make an impact by saving lives and serving the country she loves. She enlisted in the IDF and is currently serving as a combat medic in the Fire Brigade.

• Gil G. (’22): We’re so proud of Gil who made aliyah to join the IDF as a lone soldier. During this incredibly difficult time, he has matured and become very independent. He is a brave soul with a heart of gold.

• G.W: Serving in the Search & Rescue Brigade whose mission is so sensitive that neither their name nor image may be used.

• Sapir: An alum of Heschel Day School and sister of a proud brother, Geffen ‘26, Sapir deferred her admission to Columbia University to become an IDF Lone Soldier, serving as an officer in the Rochash “Sky Riders” Unit. She has spent the last several months inside Gaza, leading her elite forces as they operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to prepare infantry teams with on-the-ground intelligence. 

May this mitzvah be performed in the merit of those who are sacrificing their lives for Israel and the Jewish people.