Today, I had a meeting with Roi and Amit Saban, identical twins serving alongside me in the same unit - “Meitav”. At first glance, you can't tell the difference between them, but a brief conversation will reveal two gifted individuals, each with their unique talents. The twins sat down with me to recount their journey to Israel, their experience as lone soldiers, and the unexpected new family they found in the IDF.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Coming from a background where it's common to finish high school and immediately move on to college, the twins wanted to choose differently and decided right away to follow the Israeli norm of joining the IDF after high school. While all their friends went to college, Roi and Amit's decision was straightforward, "It was clear to us we didn’t want to do it ‘The American Way’. We knew very little about the army, but we always planned to join the IDF. Our entire family served, and our father was an officer, so there was no doubt.”

Despite being new to the country, they consistently emphasized their connection to Israel - the land they feel closest to. Roi said, "We wanted to connect. As people who didn't grow up here, it was important for us to feel a sense of belonging, and there's no better way than coming to Israel and joining the IDF. Israel is one of the only places in the world with such a diverse population- and the army experience connects everyone, no matter where you’re from."

From The Duty Free to The Recruitment Station

"We came to the country with our parents, and we only had 3 days to be with them before our enlistment day. Leaving our family so soon, and our friends back in America, was not an easy decision, but one we’re proud of." Amit shared. “We were used to our comfortable life and simple daily routines, and enlisting made us have to adjust to wildly different circumstances in a short period of time,”

"We knew almost nothing about the IDF; we went to the recruitment office with a beard and long curly hair," they show me a picture and laugh. "Everything was new to us, from the stations we went through, the uniform, having to change our hair; it was all unexpected.”

Soft Landing in ‘Michve Alon’

“Olim” go through a month of basic training and a course at ‘Michve Alon’ (Yigal Allon Center for Education and Training). The IDF brings together all the recruits from around the world, varying in ages. "What's beautiful is that nearly everyone shares a similar story, and that's what united us. Everything was new to us, the people, the environment, the discipline; but we got through it together, and we actually had a lot of fun. We were brought closer and made stronger by our shared qualities; our desire to contribute to the country, our love for Israel, and an anxious anticipation. It's funny that we (at the age of 20) were the youngest in our surroundings, with fellow recruits aged 25 and up, and even recruits with young children at home. We made friends with an incredibly diverse group of people,"

One of the existing courses for new immigrants is called the "Homeland Course for Hebrew Speakers," which the twins completed. The program (basic training + course) lasts about a month.

"The basic training at ‘Michve Alon’ was a ‘soft landing’ for us, providing a glimpse into what awaits us in our military service and in Israel. Regarding the country, we learned about the land and its history, Israeli identity, culture, and even things that might seem obvious - how to use public transportation , Israeli singers, and well known songs (Personally, my favorite is ‘Unicorn’ by Noa Kirel). In the military aspect, we learned about essential topics that every recruit learns about; for example, providing first aid care. Additionally, as part of the course, we learned about the various roles in the IDF, and what it has to offer." Roi tells us.

Amit tells me about his first time staying Shabbat on base, "No one knew what it meant to stay on base during Shabbat. In Hebrew, we say it as ‘Closing a Shabbat’, AKA staying in base for the weekend. At first the thought of staying on base for the entire week was scary and we all desperately wanted to go home. With our new friends that we met, we all sat, each from a different country, and had a blast playing board games. Each person shared stories from where they were from, we talked about the roles each one wanted to do, and why they chose to serve. I remember it was a meaningful experience. Each person came from a different place, and the bond among us was the IDF and a simple desire to contribute. I never thought that I would be spending the weekend in a military base, playing UNO and having deep talks with a French 25 year old."

Twin Paths

After completing Basic Training and course at ‘Michve Alon’, Roi and Amit got assigned their roles after meeting with a commander that helped them choose. For the first time in their service, they were on their own- but not quite. "Each of us goes through their own path and a different process, but in the end, we're together in this. Everyone has their individual experiences, but we share a common language because we're in the same unit," Roi, a military journalist responsible for Meitav’s social media, shares. “It's meaningful to explain about the IDF for new recruits. When I was in the process of enlisting, I didn’t fully understand the IDF system, which made preparing for my service more difficult. As I'm serving today, I understand how important it is for foreign recruits to fully comprehend what it’s like to enlist.” Amit, who is Meitav’s Lt. Colonel’s Head of Office, adds, "I enjoy my role. I feel fulfillment in my work," Heads of Office have an immense amount of responsibility, and face challenging work that develops them both professionally as well as personally.

Our New Family

Ninety percent of our support here comes from our friends who serve with us. Our friends are our family here and it is a significant part of our service. I am grateful to be in an environment that supports me. I couldn't believe I’d find people who would become so close and important to me- my new family".

The support the army provides for lone soldiers is broad and all-encompassing. A dedicated social worker (“Mashakit Tash") will be in charge of your service conditions. The “Mashakit Tash” helps lone soldiers with many problems that might come, from financial aid to improved service conditions to those who may need it. “In ‘Michve’, we learned about our service benefits as lone soldiers and the rights we’re entitled to. The main feeling you get from your ‘Mashakit Tash’ is that you’re not alone; there’s someone taking care of the small details, like where you spend the holidays," Amit adds.

100% Israeli

“We weren't fully committed to leave America. Leaving our comfort zone was challenging, and we faced many obstacles on the way, but it's proven itself to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being completely independent for the first time in Israel made me discover that I love to cook- I no longer had my mom’s home cooking everyday, and I’m sure she would be in disbelief if she saw me. I learned a lot about myself; if I hadn't left my comfort zone, I would have never discovered so many things about myself. We fell in love with the country and the culture. Without a doubt, the IDF gave us the feeling of a second home. We didn't feel like we belonged to any country we lived in until we arrived in Israel," shares Amit.

Adding to this, Roi says, "This year and a half has been the most significant in my life. I’ve developed so many life skills that I didn’t have as a fresh high school graduate, and I’ve matured so much since enlisting. It made me independent, it prepared me for adulthood, and I’ve met my new Israeli family."

Tips from Roi and Amit

"Firstly, come in with a positive and open mindset. Be yourselves; remember that as lone soldiers, you’re interesting. Everyone will want to hear about your story and get to know you," Amit shared optimistically. Roi adds, "I have to say that it won't be easy, but remember that you’re committing these years to the country. If you've already decided to make that step, give it everything," advises Amit.

"A tip from us, don't be afraid to talk to the commanders about your problems, and in general, don't be afraid to open up. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are people around you whose role is to take care of you; use that. Talk to your commanding officer; they are an essential part of your service- keep them involved. There's a lot of support designed just for you."

“The biggest thing to remember is that you don’t just draft to the army and serve the country-, you change your life.”