“There is nothing I’d rather be doing with my life right now, more than serving the country of Israel,” said Myles Rosenblum, his voice steady with conviction, with just a hint of anger. “To my core and soul, nothing is more important. I know deep down that I need to be here, and it’s more important than ever.”
That is what the 23-year-old St. Louisan told the Jewish Light on Oct. 10, 2023, just three days after Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, killing roughly 1,200.
“I wanted to do something special before going to law school. I looked at many opportunities but kept getting pulled back to the idea of serving Israel and honoring my grandfather, Doron Berger, who immigrated to Israel at 15-years-old and proudly served in the Six-Day War, defending Israel over 55 years ago,” said Rosenblum.
After completing the “Mahal Mechina” program, which prepares Jewish youth from foreign countries who wish to volunteer for military service, Rosenblum was sworn into the Israel Defense Forces. He would soon serve as a “lone soldier” in the elite IDF Paratroopers Unit 101.
The lone soldier’s journey of Myles Rosenblum
As one of the few Americans in his unit, Rosenblum faced an uphill climb—adjusting to a new culture, grueling physical demands, and the emotional toll of being far from his family. Despite the challenges, he found purpose, courage and camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, all while serving during a time of heightened conflict.
Now, Rosenblum is returning home to share his story.
During a special event next month at the Jewish Community Center, Rosenblum will reflect on his motivations, challenges and triumphs, offering a glimpse into the life of a lone soldier and the sacrifices he made in service of a cause greater than himself. A Q&A session will follow, giving attendees a chance to connect with him and explore his remarkable journey further.
Event Details:
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5
Where: The Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex, near Creve Coeur
️ How much: Free, but registration is requested. [Register here]
Contact: For questions, reach out to Naomi Elbaz at [email protected]
