Lone Soldier Immigrants Find Love in Israel Amid Overseas Alienation
Lone soldiers Andrew and Noi, who immigrated from the USA, got engaged after meeting at Reichman University, despite losing overseas friends over their IDF service.
Andrew Silverman and Noi Etzion, both lone soldiers who immigrated to Israel from the USA, recently announced their engagement after meeting at Reichman University. In a recent morning interview with local media, they shared their journey of Zionism, military service, and the personal toll their choices have taken amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Andrew, whose family has never lived in Israel, followed in his older brother's footsteps by serving as a lone soldier, though his brother later returned to the United States. Andrew chose to remain, completing five reserve duty cycles. Noi and Andrew crossed paths during government studies, volunteering together at an organization supporting lone soldiers before Andrew proposed at a charity event.
The couple acknowledged that their unwavering commitment to Israel and the IDF has cost them relationships with friends abroad. Following the October 7 attacks, several international friends severed ties due to political disagreements over Israel's military actions. Despite these painful separations, both remain resolute in building their future in Israel, emphasizing that their Israeli identity has deepened significantly over the past three years.
