(Courtesy of FIDF) Tenafly native Sgt. Aaron, 23, who serves as a combat soldier in the Battalion Paratroopers Brigade. There are currently about 1,000 Lone Soldiers from the U.S. and some 117 New Jersey natives serving as Lone Soldiers in the IDF. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provides guidance and support to all IDF Lone Soldiers, including flights to visit family and friends in their countries of origin; fun and recreation days; a 24-hour call center for soldiers and their parents; grants and financial assistance; holiday gift packages and vouchers; Shabbat and holiday meals; social networks and gatherings for soldiers and parents; post-service scholarships to those eligible; and soldiers’ homes throughout Israel.