@ Soldiers Among Us Long before Israel became a state, Detroiters supported and worked for the dream of creating a Jewish homeland. And many among us have put themselves on the line as members of the Israel Defense Forces to protect and preserve the Jewish state. These former and current IDF members are Israelis now living in Metro Detroit and Americans who believed so strongly in serving the Jewish nation that many volunteered as Lone Soldiers, those without family in Israel. At Israel’s 70th anniversary, we salute some of those in our midst who served in the IDF. • continued on page 16 14 May 17 • 2018 jn Sgt. Maj. Aron Zoldan of West Bloomfield, Givati Brigade, 1950-52 William Cooper of West Bloomfield was a Lone Soldier who served from 2014-2015 as a marksman/pointman in the 932nd Infantry Brigade. Arik Ragowsky of Farmington Hills, tank commander, 1970- 1973; photo taken during Yom Kippur War just before crossing the Suez Canal. Cpl. Chloe Schwartz of West Bloomfield currently serves in the Israeli Air Force as a dog handler. She is a Lone Soldier and a 2016 graduate of Frankel Jewish Academy. Dave Kresch of West Bloomfield was an officer in the 7th Armored Brigade. This picture was taken in a parade for the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.