Once a Paratrooper
​The Story of a Lone Soldier in the Gaza War
Ira Kohler
Foreword by Orna & Ronen Neutra
A powerful story of an American Jew moving to Israel, enlisting in the IDF, and finding himself in the throes of October 7th.
Summary
Ira Kohler, a twenty-one-year-old graduate of the University of Delaware, had a dream: He longed to serve his people in the Holy Land. He moved to Israel in 2021 and enlisted in the IDF in January 2022. He went through extensive training in weapons and field work before beginning his active service 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
He was involved in battle for five months from the beginning of the Gaza War. In March 2024, he officially completed his military service and returned to his family in the United States. Ira was happy to be home but struggled to reintegrate into civilian life after his service. The impact of the war and the plight of his friend Omer continued to weigh on him.
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 a commitment to something greater than oneself.
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.
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Available for book talks and community events.
Ted Deutch, CEO AJC
Rep. Tom Suozzi, Democratic 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."
Jonah Platt
Once a Paratrooper
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.
