At 44, I Left My Career to Join the IDF
A father. A new immigrant. A soldier.
On October 8th, 2023, I was supposed to start a new marketing job. Instead, I started a journey that would change everything I understood about service, sacrifice, and what it means to stand with those who protect Israel.
Watch as Aron discusses his activism and inspiration to join the IDF at age 44.
75+
Days of Active Service
44
Age at Enlistment
$1.2M+
Distributed Since Oct 7
55,000+
People Supported
"When a father serves in the IDF, his entire family serves alongside him."
The Blog
Insights, Stories, and Community Support
١٦ مارس ٢٠٢٦ · Aron's StoryI started a new job last week. Monday morning. New desk, new team, new ID badge that still smells...٥ مارس ٢٠٢٦ · Soldier ProfilesThis was shared with us by someone we have supported who asked to remain anonymous for security...١ مارس ٢٠٢٦ · Family Support,Aron's StoryWe knocked on the door of a random apartment in Modiin. My son Elliot was with me. He was ten. We...٢٦ فبراير ٢٠٢٦ · Aron's StoryI got promoted recently. Rasap of my unit. Logistics Officer. The title sounds administrative...٢٤ فبراير ٢٠٢٦ · Aron's StoryThe news broke. US and Iran were escalating. Satellites picked up movement. Analysts were talking...٢١ فبراير ٢٠٢٦ · Soldier ProfilesThe biggest thing I learned in three months of service is something most Israelis already know...١٨ فبراير ٢٠٢٦ · Aron's StoryOur base sat 50 meters from the Gaza border, right by the entrance to the Nitzarim Corridor....١٤ يناير ٢٠٢٦ · ReintegrationThe transfer was scheduled for today. Josh Boone was hours away from getting the mental health...٢٦ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٥Shlav Bet started as an answer to a problem Israel didn't anticipate. When waves of Ukrainians...٢٦ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٥ · Aron's StoryThe Rasap of Unit 7108 started calling me Uncle Aron sometime during my third visit. I'd show up...٢٨ فبراير ٢٠٢٥٧ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٤Join Us in Supporting Our Heroes
At Smiles for Chayalim, we believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect civilians with Israel's soldiers through heartfelt stories, meaningful support, and collective action. Together, we can make a difference.
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