Jerusalem — Several organizations in Israel held Thanksgiving dinner for American-born ‘lone soldiers.’

The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin on Thursday hosted a Thanksgiving meal and football tournament for more than 300 soldiers who have come to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and have left their parents, family and friends behind.

The American Jewish Committee celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Thanksgiving Dinner for lone American soldiers. Some 30 soldiers from across all IDF units attended the dinner at the AJC offices in Jerusalem.

Each year since captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was held by Hamas, the AJC Thanksgiving dinner featured an empty seat prepared in his honor. This year the seat was not present.

Nefesh B’ Nefesh hosted 50 lone solders and over 100 young professional olim for its fifth annual Nefesh B’ Nefesh Thanksgiving dinner.

“This was a great opportunity for young professionals and lone soldiers to enjoy a traditional festive meal and express their thanks together with fellow Olim from around the country for their good fortune,” said Rachel Kaufman, Events & Programs Coordinator at Nefesh B’Nefesh.

The IDF gives leave to all lone soldiers who request to attend Thanksgiving dinner, according to the Lone Soldier Center.

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