"Once a Paratrooper by Ira Kohler is a powerful and deeply personal account of one young man’s journey to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces as a Lone Soldier. With clarity and emotional depth, Kohler traces the path that led him from the United States to the demanding world of the IDF paratroopers, offering readers an intimate look at both the physical challenges and the profound sense of purpose that shaped his experience. One of the most moving elements of the book is Kohler’s close friendship with Captain Omer Neutra, of blessed memory. Their bond adds a poignant emotional thread to the narrative, highlighting the camaraderie, values, and sense of duty shared by soldiers who embody the ideals many American Jewish families hope to instill in their children."

"What Eli Sharabi's book Hostage did to illuminate and humanize the unthinkable experience of being a Hamas captive, Ira Kohler's remarkable and deeply personal memoir does to bring us fully inside the heart, mind, and body of an IDF Lone Soldier fighting for his life on October 7th and for over 100 days inside the Gaza Strip. I couldn't put it down, and neither will you."

"In Once a Paratrooper, Ira Kohler presents a gripping and inspiring account of his service as an American without family members living in Israel—a Lone Soldier—fighting in the Gaza War. For supporters of Israel and those wishing to know the truth about the Gaza War, Kohler’s memoir is an essential source."

"Ira Kohler chose to leave his home in New York and come to Israel as a Lone Soldier, driven by a desire to contribute to the country and fulfill the Jewish and Zionist values he was raised on. He writes about the hardships of grueling combat service and the disconnect from family and friends back across the ocean."

“This moving, inspiring book tracks the extraordinary story of a Jewish kid from Long Island who helped save Israel, the Jewish people, and the world as an Israeli soldier on October 7 and thereafter. Ira Kohler does a magnificent job of capturing the chaos, the fear, the grit, the smell, and the casual courage he and his fellow soldiers experienced every day while facing unprecedented challenges in battle. The book is not only compelling and easy-to-read, but it’s also hard to put down and even harder to forget."

“Ira tells an inspiring story of a young man from Long Island, New York serving in the IDF and fighting on the front lines on October 7th and in Gaza. This book takes the reader into the emotions and challenges of a soldier during the toughest moments and highlights the powerful connection between Ira and his friend, Omer Neutra, both constituents of mine, as he fought to bring him home from Hamas captivity."