Prime Minister Bennett spoke with the soldiers and heard from them about their military service, their decision to immigrate to Israel, their military aspirations and about their futures here in Israel.

 

Prime Minister Bennett:

 

"I come from a family of immigrants. My parents came to Israel in 1967 without knowing anything. It is not any easy process for anyone who comes alone. I think that you are taking a major step both for the country and for yourselves on a personal level.

 

I have been in many places in my life. What you receive in the IDF, you do not receive anywhere else. In no college does one receive the values and the character building that one receives in the IDF.

 

I am speaking about qualities such as determination, carrying out the mission at any cost and teamwork. The gift that you have given to the country by choosing to come here and serve in the army is immense.

 

Therefore, on behalf of the Government of Israel, I want to say thank you. I know that we can rely on you in the army and in civilian life."

 

Communications Minister Hendel:

 

"Upon the establishment of the state, David Ben-Gurion created two important filters – state education and military service. They are fundamental to our common life here and I regret that these institutions are eroding.

 

The IDF is the common expanse from which we start the debate of the Jewish people and build common values for subsequent civilian life. When I meet lone soldiers, I see Zionism in its full glory.

 

The fact that the Prime Minister decided to come here as part of an official visit is proof that the current government wants to lead Israeli society to a better place vis-à-vis the army and contributing to the state.

 

The government has a great mission to create service tracks for every population group in Israel. The best among Israelis always do significant service in the army, what you give and what you receive is more valuable than refined gold.

 

On Sukkot, we talk about being together and in the army we serve the country together. New immigrants and ultra-orthodox soldiers have double merit because everything that a regular soldier has in terms of family support, a lone soldier does not have. Whoever succeeds at this has done very much for the people of Israel and has received much in life."

 

Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin CEO Michal Berman:

 

"We are proud and moved to host Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the lone soldiers' sukkah in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Arnona. The soldiers, who are dealing with the challenges of military service without the supportive family milieu that regular soldiers have, derive much strength from the Prime Minister's visit.

 

The center is active thanks to hundreds of volunteers in and around Jerusalem, and thanks to thousands of donors in Israel and overseas. The entire Lone Soldier Center community is pleased by this moving visit and thanks the Prime Minister for supporting the soldiers. We also thank the lone soldiers department in the IDF for its activity."

 

Photos: Haim Zach, Government Press Office