Summary
Ira Kohler longed to serve his people as a Lone Soldier in the IDF. At the age of twenty-one, he left his family in New York, moved to Israel, and enlisted in the 890th Battalion of the Paratrooper Brigade. But nothing could have prepared Ira for what was going to happen on October 7th to himself, his friends, and his community in Israel and back home in America…
….the capture of his close friend, Omer
…face-to-face combat against Hamas terrorists
…the scenes of the vicious massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri
…surviving a rocket hit on his helicopter while in mid-air
​
Once a Paratrooper is a revelatory, on-the-ground account of what it is like for a young American to be thrust into one of the world’s most complex and dangerous regions. It’s a story of bravery, sacrifice, loss, and of a Lone Soldier surviving to tell his story, and that of comrades, such as his friend Omer Neutra, who were killed in the protection of their homeland.
Author
Ira Kohler served in the IDF’s 890th Battalion of the Paratrooper Brigade. Originally from Plainview, Long Island, he attended the University of Delaware, graduating with a BA in Economics. Several months later, he moved to Israel. Serving as a Lone Soldier, Ira enlisted in January of 2022. On October 7th, he found himself in the heart of Israel’s hardest battles as he fought in Kibbutz Be’eri. From there, Ira went on to serve over 100 days inside the Gaza Strip. Upon completing his service, Ira moved back to the United States and became a noted public speaker.
Invite Ira for a
Book Event
Ira Kohler, author of Once a Paratrooper, shares a firsthand account of his service as a lone soldier in the IDF Paratroopers on October 7th and throughout the Gaza War. Through reading and conversation, Ira offers a powerful reflection on service, identity, and the lasting impact of war.
​​
Available for book talks and community events.
Endorsements
Ted Deutch, CEO, American Jewish Committee, Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the CEO, Member of Congress (2010-22)
"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."
Jonah Platt, Actor, Jewish advocate, and host of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
"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."
Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States and Member of Knesset, author of Six Days of War
"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."
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel & Chairman of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran
"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."
Professor Gil Troy, author The Zionist Ideas
“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."
Rep. Tom Suozzi, Congressman, New York’s 3rd Congressional District
“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."
Omer Neutra Z"L
Help preserve the Legacy of Captain Omer Neutra Z"L
Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z”l, was kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, along with more than 250 others.
After 758 long days, Omer was returned home to Israel and laid to rest in the land he loved and defended.
While the mission to bring Omer home has ended, the responsibility that grew around his name has not.
*Bring Omer Home* is focused on preserving Omer’s legacy — the way he lived and the values he embodied. The organization supports educational, leadership, and values-based initiatives inspired by Omer’s life, and works to ensure that the stories of the hostages and their families are never forgotten.
We invite you to support this effort and help ensure that Omer is remembered for how he lived — with responsibility, leadership, and care for the people around him — and that those values continue to matter.
Dedication
Once a Paratrooper is dedicated to the memory of Omer Neutra Z"L, Yair Avitan Z"L, and Amir Naim Z"L, three friends of Ira who were killed in the October 7 war.
