Lone soldiers' birthdays take a touching turn: "I will not forget this"

When family is thousands of kilometers away, even a small gift feels like a big hug. Lone soldiers serving in the north were surprised on their birthdays with personal gifts sent from Los Angeles.

Behind this surprise are the volunteers of the "Otzma LaHayal" project, who collected gifts and personal messages from families in the United States and delivered them directly to the base. Along with the gifts, the soldiers received vouchers and treats—a reminder that even when home is on the other side of the world, their families are still with them.

Ido, one of the soldiers who received a gift, said: "The moment I saw the gift from my family in Los Angeles, I was deeply moved. For a moment, I felt they were here with me. It is a hug from home that I will not forget."

Sheni, who was also surprised on her birthday, struggled to hide her excitement: "Wow, thank you so much. You really don't understand how touching this is. I didn't expect this at all, especially with my family so far away. You made my day."

Igal, a combat soldier in a reconnaissance unit, said the surprise was waiting for him when he returned from training: "Wow, I came back from training and suddenly saw the whole surprise you prepared, with all the soldiers there. I really didn't expect this; it was a crazy and moving moment."