By TPS • 15 October, 2019

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday hosted Lone IDF soldiers in his sukkah at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem ahead of the Sukkot holiday which commenced later in the evening, during which the lone soldiers spoke with their parents by video.

Lone soldiers are troops who immigrated to Israel to serve in the IDF with no family in the country.

“There are three soldiers here who immigrated to Israel from Australia, Ukraine and Italy to serve in the IDF. I told them that the four species symbolize the unity of the Jewish people – the unity of the people and the unity that we need so much in the country,” Netanyahu said, apparently hinting at the tangled political situation in the country.

He took the opportunity to wish “a good year to all citizens of Israel and the soldiers – men and women – who are serving and defending our state around the clock, not just on holidays. A good year and a happy Sukkot to you.”

Netanyahu met with combat engineer Sgt. Eddie Laufer, Jordan Valley Brigade 47th Battalion Cpl. Aleksandra Vodenskov and Givati Brigade Sgt. Alexander Sachs, and heard from them their personal stories, about their connection with their families and their service in the IDF. The Prime Minister told them about his military service.

Netanyahu also telephoned the soldiers’ parents and offered New Year and holiday greetings.