Stacie Stufflebeam reunites with her lone soldier sons thanks to Operation Hug. Photo: Provided

A new initiative launched by a group of Jewish organizations provides hundreds of free round-trip airline tickets to Israel from around the world for one parent of any lone soldier who is currently serving in a combat unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the war between the Jewish state and Hamas terrorists.

Nefesh B’Nefesh, Jewish National Fund-USA, and Friends of the IDF (FIDF) have joined forces to launch “Operation Hug,” with flights being provided by Israel’s national airline El Al.

A lone soldier is a soldier in the IDF who has no family in Israel either because he is a new immigrant to the country who made aliyah, a volunteer from abroad, an orphan, or an individual with no ties to his family. According to the Lone Soldier Center in Israel, there are over 7,000 lone soldiers currently serving in the IDF. “Operation Hug” allows concerned parents of these lone soldiers to be in Israel and support their children during the current campaign against Hamas.

Because of “Operation Hug,” Stacie Stufflebeam, from Richmond, Virginia, was able to have a surprise reunion with her sons Evan, 24, and Adam, 29, who are reserve soldiers in the Nachal and Sayeret Golani brigades, respectively.  Her third son, 27-year-old Yered, who also served in Nachal, is on standby if needed.

Another parent who took part in the initiative, named Michelle, said, “It’s almost my lone soldier’s 21st birthday, and there would be nothing more special for me to know that I am in the same country as him and have the possibility to give him a huge hug as well.”

“Lone soldiers have left behind their friends, family, and support systems to serve their Jewish Homeland. Now it’s our turn to serve them and offer whatever measure of comfort we can,” said Russell Robinson, CEO of Jewish National Fund-USA.”Not only will this initiative strengthen their spirits, but it will also strengthen our worldwide Jewish family in coming together to make a difference. There is nothing like a parent’s hug in these terrifying times, and we are proud to partner with two other incredible organizations to make this possible for Israel’s lone soldiers.”

FIDF CEO Steve Weil praised Israel’s lone soldiers, saying, “Their valor and selflessness inspire us, and we are honored to facilitate reunions with their deserving parents. Their service and dedication exemplify the highest ideals of commitment and courage.”