W

hile there are many soldiers 
throughout Israel who serve for 
various reasons from the U.S. some 
follow in their family’s footsteps. That’s exactly 
what Joseph Icikson, whose grandparents live 
in Metro Detroit, decided to do. 
Joseph Icikson of New York, age 22, is an 
active combat soldier in the Israel Defense 
Forces (IDF). Instead of studying in college 
like most people his age, he decided to serve 
as a soldier in one of the world’s most danger-
ous war zones.
 Joseph shared his pride with the Detroit 
Jewish News over an email saying it’s an honor 
to serve. “I am truly lucky to have the oppor-
tunity to continue 
the legacy of both 
my family and all of 
the Jewish people. 
It’s amazing to see 
how far we’ve come 
from where we were 
not too long ago,” he 
wrote.
Joseph’s grand-
parents are William 
and Esther Icikson. 
They spoke over 
the phone with the 
Jewish News, saying 
how happy they are 
after hearing their 
grandson wanted to follow their example. 
“Israel was very special and deep in our heart 
because I served in the army and my husband 
fought for Israel. So, it’s very special,” Esther 
said. 
William is also a survivor of the Holocaust, 

Grandson of local 
Holocaust survivor honors 
his family by serving in 
Israel Defense Forces.

A Lone 
Soldier’s 
Story

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

22 | MARCH 17 • 2022 

OUR COMMUNITY

ABOVE: Joseph 
Icikson during 
Chanukah. 
LEFT: Icikson is an 
active soldier in the 
IDF.

COURTESY FIDF

