A 20-year-old IDF corporal who relocated from Hong Kong to Israel at age 16 will be among 120 soldiers honored with the President’s Excellence Award during this year’s Independence Day ceremony. She is one of seven lone soldiers from the Tzofim Garin Tzabar program selected for the prestigious recognition.
From Hong Kong to the IDF#
Cpl. T. first immigrated to Israel at 18 through the Naale youth immigration program, after having moved from Hong Kong two years earlier. Her mother is Israeli, and the family made regular visits to the country throughout her childhood. She now serves in the Etzion Regional Brigade in the West Bank.
The October 7 attack deepened the family’s connection to Israel — her younger sister also made the move following the events of that day.
“Being named a President’s Outstanding Soldier is greater than the dream I fulfilled by moving here,” Cpl. T. said. “It’s an honor that’s hard to describe.”
Garin Tzabar: Lone Soldiers Making Their Mark#
The President’s Excellence Award recognizes exceptional service members across the IDF. Among this year’s 120 honorees, seven arrived in Israel through the Tzofim Garin Tzabar program, which helps young Jews from around the world immigrate and enlist in the military without immediate family in the country.
Another honoree, Cpl. S., age 24, immigrated from Moscow roughly two years ago and serves in the military courts. He holds a bachelor’s degree and is currently studying law while completing Israel Bar Association certification exams. “True excellence is taking care of people and always being on the giving side,” he said.
Additional honorees include an officer cadet who abandoned university studies in the United States after October 7 to serve in international relations, a training officer, and a soldier who left American studies behind to serve in a tank unit.
A Growing Trend#
The stories of these lone soldiers reflect a broader pattern of young people from across the globe choosing to build their lives in Israel through military service. Programs like Garin Tzabar and Naale continue to serve as critical bridges for young immigrants navigating the transition from their home countries to Israeli society.
For the Hong Kong community in Israel, Cpl. T.’s recognition is a point of pride — a testament to the contributions that members of Asia’s diverse diaspora are making to Israeli society.
Source: Ynet News
