At the age of twenty-one, Jonas Cohen embarked on a significant life journey by relocating to Israel from the United States in December 2022 through the Garin Tzabar program. This initiative is designed to facilitate service in the IDF and provide support to lone soldiers. In November 2023, he commenced his military service, successfully completed a medic course, and currently serves as a medic at the IDF's human resources instruction base.
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Despite facing numerous challenges and feeling homesick, Jonas expresses no regrets about his decision to make aliyah and asserts that he would undertake the journey again without any reservations.
Jonas, who is supported by The Lone Soldier Center – In Memory of Michael Levin, hails from New York. Raised in an observant family as the second of four siblings, he has always felt a strong connection to Israel. "I was brought up in a household where there was a profound connection to Israel, and I've always believed in the importance of contributing to the country. The sight of soldiers always inspired me to envision myself in their position one day," he reflects.
After spending a year in Israel at the age of 18 to study in a yeshiva, Jonas returned to the United States. However, the aspiration to enlist in the IDF remained unwavering, and within four months, he made a decisive commitment to join. Through the Garin Tzabar program, he arrived with a group of immigrants at the religious kibbutz Sde Eliyahu in northern Israel. There, he immersed himself in learning Hebrew, among other subjects. "In the kibbutz, communication was exclusively in Hebrew. It necessitated rapid learning on my part," he recalls with a smile.
Following several months at Sde Eliyahu, Jonas finalized his aliyah process and, about a year later, moved into an apartment in Jerusalem with fellow lone soldiers as roommates. Prior to his enlistment, which was delayed due to allergies, he dedicated his time to volunteering with Magen David Adom emergency services. "I found great joy and satisfaction in being a paramedic, which led me to my current role as a medic," he states.
On Oct. 7, Jonas was in synagogue when the rocket sirens began to blare. He says that initially, the congregation was unperturbed, underestimating the gravity of the situation. However, the arrival of police and the directive to move to sheltered areas signaled the seriousness of the circumstances.
"Upon returning home and receiving a call from my roommate, a paratrooper, requesting preparation of his gear, the reality of our situation became undeniable. It was weeks before I saw him again," Jonas recounts.
Jonas's parents harbored concerns about his move to Israel and his decision to enlist.
Nonetheless, they recognized his determination and respected his choice, though their worry was palpable. "They knew things happen in Israel, and that's exactly why I wanted to enlist. They understood that I chose to be here and that it was my decision. They tried not to show me their concern, but I know they were worried," he shares.
Recently, Jonas was reunited with his family, who visited Israel about three weeks ago. The surprise meeting at the airport was an emotionally charged moment. "Having not seen them for a year, the reunion was profoundly moving. It was a moment of strength and reconnection," he recalls.
To those contemplating a similar path, Jonas offers a candid perspective, "The decision to serve is not one to be taken lightly. It entails significant sacrifice, including prolonged separation from family. However, for those on the fence, I pose the question: Why not? Why not contribute to the utmost for the country?"
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