Meet Joe

Age: 24
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Military Role: Infantry Corp
Studies: BA in Middle Eastern Studies at Lowy International School
Calling: International Relations

Joe was called up the very night of October 7th to Hebron, where he served for 127 days. “It was an honor to to play my small part in the defense of Israel these past few months,” he says. As an American with little family in Israel, Joe was a lone soldier during his mandatory service in Givati. Though the status doesn’t extend to reserve corps, he still faced the same challenges of living without the immediate familial support most soldiers count on during service. 

Further complicating his situation is the fact that Joe’s classes at the Lowy International School started several months before regular TAU studies while Joe and most other reservists were still on base. Though all reservists are struggling to keep up with their studies, Joe had already missed an entire semester when he returned. Despite the added pressure, he is hopeful about the role his studies will help him play in Israel’s future. “Just as our generation stepped up to defend Israel on the front lines, it is now our responsibility to take leadership in Israeli society,” he says. “I hope my education at TAU will set me up to do my part in the redevelopment of the country.”
 

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