Sitting in their apartment on a sweltering summer afternoon, bowed by old age but not broken, Sandy and Rosalie tell the story of their lives, their aliyah, and their future.
"We will propose a national plan that will call on young people to return home and on Jews around the world to make aliyah to Israel, because this is our national home," Eisenkot said.
"I’m releasing the onesies in very limited drops and collaborating with Israeli local artists," said Miriam Agranat. "They’re doing extremely bold, colorful prints."
There has been a sharp rise in immigration since October 7, as 300 young Jews are expected to make aliyah this summer and join the IDF as lone soldiers.
All three of the family's children are named after fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terrorism, reflecting the family's strong emotional connection to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Since October 7, the number of olim from France has risen sharply: In 2023, Israel welcomed 1,097 new French immigrants. In 2024, the number doubled to 2,234, and grew to 3,357 in 2025.
The friends had arrived in the IDF via different routes. One told me about the influence of Bnei Akiva, another of family history, friends who had already served. Oct. 7, was central for all seven.