Lone Soldiers

Book excerpt: Engagingly written by the diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, this book tells the tale of Israel's lone soldiers, young men who have left family, friends, studies, and top jobs behind to travel to an unfamiliar country and culture and join its army. Revealing images from noted photojournalist Ricki Rosen bring the stories of 14 of these young men--including Michael Levin, who died in the Second Lebanon War-- to life. This chronicle also profiles Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Tzvika Levy, known as the "father of the lone soldiers," whose mission it is to welcome and prepare the foreign recruits. The stories gathered here serve as a testament to the enduring strength of the nation of Israel and its armed forces.