Comforting ‘lone soldiers’

With three sons who have served in the Israeli army, Ed and Judy Grushko of Cedarhurst understand the definition of a “lone soldier.” Lone soldiers are personnel serving in the Israel Defense Forces who do not have immediate family in Israel. They are typically immigrants, orphans or Israeli-born and estranged from their families.

There are approximately 5,000 lone soldiers serving in the IDF. More than half are from countries other than Israel, according to Friends of the IDF, a New York-based organization that offers them financial assistance and helps them find places to live, make social connections and find post-service educational programs.

“This is 100 percent choice,” Judy Grushko said of her sons’ service.

“There is no legal compulsion or requirement,” Ed added. “This is entirely voluntary.”

The couple was part of the organizing committee that put together the inaugural Five Towns and South Shore Community dinner at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst on May 23, after the Herald went to press, at which Friends of the IDF planned to honor 35 lone soldiers from the Five Towns and other communities, including Long Beach, West Hempstead and Merrick.

Chaim Grushko, 25, served in the Israeli infantry for 18 months between 2005 and 2007 and passed the Israeli bar two weeks ago. Ezra, 22, was released from the army last week after three years as a paratrooper. Zev, 19, is currently serving in the IDF’s tank corps. They were to be recognized for their service. “We couldn’t be prouder,” said Ed. “They internalized the lessons they learned growing up and are acting on it.”

The family’s belief in Zionism runs strong: Judy’s father is a Holocaust survivor, and Ed’s father served in Soviet army tank unit in World War II. All three sons graduated from local yeshivas, Chaim from Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence and Ezra and Zev from Davis Renoir Stahler in Woodmere. “You teach your kids things and sometimes they listen,” Judy said.