Gaia, at 19 and a half years old - decided to volunteer for the IDF. Gaia has a very powerful story of facing the challenges of a chronic illness, which lowered her medical profile down to 25, a profile given to volunteers with medical or mental health problems. Yet, despite these obstacles, she still feels the profound sense of duty to serve her country

Volunteers are considered as active-duty soldiers with all the rights and responsibilities of regular soldiers, and serve in accordance with the restrictions set by the Chief Medical Officer.

Gaia lives with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation in her abdomen, presenting ongoing health issues. Regardless of all the challenges with the condition, her decision to volunteer came during a period when the need for support and service was the most critical after the 7th of October.

Initially, Gaia was focused on her studies at Tel Aviv University and had no plans to volunteer. However, when the conflict erupted, she felt a sincere obligation to contribute to her country in any way she could. She realized that she could not just stand by and observe from the side, and more ever, was driven by a deep love for her country and a strong sense of responsibility. Gaia made the brave decision to pause her academic studies and dedicate herself to volunteer to the IDF.

Since joining the IDF, Gaia has been assigned to the Foreign Relations Unit, that is involved with special tasks to communicate with various international militaries.

The feedback she has received about her role has been overwhelmingly positive, and Gaia feels that her decision to volunteer in the IDF was totally worthwhile and meaningful.

This story is not just about overcoming medical challenges, it's about brave people deciding to serve for the country’s IDF and volunteering for Israel in a time of need. Gaia’s remarkable ability to balance health challenges with real responsibilities as an IDF soldier, serves as an inspiring example of true courage and commitment.