My name is Shalev Glisko Adler, and I am a lone soldier serving in the Golani Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. A little over a year ago, I left behind everything familiar—my family, my friends, and my home in New Jersey—to make Aliyah and serve the people and land of Israel.

As our unit prepares for the possibility of entering Lebanon, we are facing an uncertain and dangerous reality. Every soldier understands the risks that come with answering the call to serve. We do so willingly, knowing what is at stake. But many of us are preparing to face those risks with equipment that is old, worn, and in need of replacement.

It is difficult to describe what it feels like to stand alongside your brothers in uniform, knowing that each of you may soon be placed in harm’s way. These are young men who have put their lives on hold to protect others. They are sons, brothers, husbands, and friends. They carry the responsibility of defending their country on their shoulders, and they deserve the best protection possible.

That is why we are launching a GoFundMe campaign in the United States to help provide updated protective equipment, including helmets and tactical vests, for soldiers in our unit. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move closer to ensuring that more soldiers have the equipment they need to return home safely.

As a lone soldier, there are moments when the distance from home feels overwhelming. I do not have my family nearby to hug before a deployment or to see after a difficult day. Yet time and time again, I have been reminded that I am not truly alone. The support of friends, family, and caring people around the world has become a source of strength and comfort that carries me through the hardest moments.

Today, I am asking for your help.

Not for myself alone, but for every soldier standing beside me. For the young man who calls his mother whenever he gets the chance. For the soldier who left behind his studies, his career, or his family to serve. For those who will step forward without hesitation when called upon.

Your donation is not just a contribution to equipment. It is an investment in the safety of real people. It is a reminder that someone cares, that someone is thinking of us, praying for us, and standing with us even from thousands of miles away.

We cannot know what the coming days and weeks will bring. What we do know is that every soldier deserves the best chance to come home safely to the people who love them.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your support. In moments of uncertainty, your kindness reminds us what we are fighting to protect and why we never stand alone.