I chose to join Modern Pioneers as it’s a compelling and informative program designed to cater to the released lone soldiers of the IDF. We as lone soldiers are equipped with tools to counter antisemitism and hone skills to advocate for the State of Israel.

I decided to draft to the IDF after visiting Poland with the March of the Living program in 2018. From the perspective of living as a Jews in India, we have never faced any kind of antisemitism. However, a need for security developed in our community after the 26/11 terrorist attack on the Chabad house in Mumbai. Also, after the deadly attacks a few youth came together to form a voluntary community protection group, which I was a part of. This group is in charge of the Synagogues and other Jewish institutions’ safety, during Shabbat and the chagim.

The Bene Israel community is almost a 2000 year old Jewish community in Mumbai, India. We have a Jewish Community Center – JCC and a Jewish youth union called the Jewish Youth Pioneers(JYP). The JYP supported by the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) started organising the Khai Fest, an event beginning in 1995 which served as a fund raiser for youth activities and also towards welfare support for the underprivileged sections of the community and the elderly destitute at BAYITI – our own Indian Jewish Old Age Home. Khai Fest began as a community event and a platform for the community to exhibit their talents in front of an audience. It serves to get the community together for the Hanukkah celebration furthermore the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam. A Private auditorium is hired for this event and around 450 Jewish community members attend this event annually.

The Modern Pioneers program had numerous guest speakers that provided an insight on the various tools used by them to counter Anti-Israel attacks may it be physical or virtual platforms. Moreover for an on-ground experience we had a visit to the Ministry of Foreign affairs.

As lone soldiers of the IDF, we come from different countries from around the globe. Each lone soldier would know better the culture and the language spoken in the country of their origin. This would assist in fighting antisemitism on a global scale. Also, it is important to how we represent Israel on an international platform from the ideas emerged through Modern Pioneers.