IN MEMORY OF JOSH BOONE Z'“L
A Protector at Heart,
Honored In Memory,
A Light Forward
JOSH BOONE:
A Life That Shapes This Work
From Idaho to Israel
Josh Boone was a lone soldier from Boise, Idaho, who chose to make Israel his home and dedicate himself to protecting others.
What is a Lone Soldier?
A lone soldier is an IDF service member who does not have immediate family in Israel. Lone soldiers often navigate additional emotional, financial, and logistical challenges - both during service and after returning to civilian life.
He was affectionately known as “The Bear Jew”- strong in presence and even bigger in heart.
Boone was fiercely loyal, deeply rooted in his faith, and the kind of person who showed up when it mattered. He cared deeply and was a protector at heart.
The instinct to protect was part of Boone long before he put on a uniform. Growing up, the values of the “sheepdog” were instilled in in him-the belief that when others are vulnerable, you don’t stand by. You step forward. You protect the flock.
Boone carried those values with him from Idaho to Israel, into his service, his friendships, and the way he moved through the world.
Answering the Call: Above & Beyond
Following October 7, Boone entered reserve duty and went on to serve an extraordinary 748 consecutive days of active duty.
Boone was a trained sniper and highly skilled marksman and was accepted into multiple units and fronts - primarily conducting medical evacuations.
He continued showing up wherever he was needed most, serving a length of active-duty that is far beyond what is typical or expected.
Like too many, Boone carried wounds that were not always visible. His story reminds us that strength and struggle can exist at the same time.
Carrying the Light Forward
Boone's story reminds us not only of the invisible weight people can carry, but of the impact we can have on one another.
Josh brought light to the people around him through his loyalty, his faith, his friendship, his humor, and his instinct to show up for others. He inspired people to stand a little stronger, care a little deeper, and look out for one another.
We all have the ability to be that light for someone else.
We also need stronger systems of mental-health support.
That is part of what we carry forward in Boone's memory: to show up for one another, strengthen the support around us, and create more light where it is needed.
In His Own Words
Just weeks before his passing, an interview with Boone was released on Boots on the Ground, hosted by Ari Kalker. In this conversation, Boone shares his journey from Idaho to Israel, his faith, his identity, and the values that shaped his commitment to protecting others.
This interview offers the opportunity to hear Boone tell his own story, in his own words.
Honored Across Borders
Eulogizing a Friend & “Sheepdog”
A personal tribute in The Jerusalem Post by Avi Kahn
A reflection on his friendship with Boone, the life they shared as lone soldiers, and the impact Boone left on those around him.
A tribute from the United States Air Force
An American flag was flown over Iraq by a United States Air Force unit during a special operation in Boone’s memory.
The flag was later given to Boone’s mother, with a certificate commemorating the tribute
THE JOSH BOONE RANCH
A Place for Healing. A Legacy of Protection.
In Boone's memory, his fiancée, Keren Ouliel, is developing the Josh Boone Ranch in southern Israel- a therapeutic space dedicated to supporting soldiers living with PTSD and the invisible wounds of military service.
Through nature, horses, professional care, and meaningful connection, the ranch aims to provide a place for soldiers to heal, rebuild, and find renewed purpose.
A place where the protectors can be cared for, too.
“Boone was a presence you couldn’t ignore.
We called him the Bear Jew, and it wasn’t just a nickname
- it reflected his big presence, heart, and faith.
He carried himself with kindness, dignity, and humor, always treating others with care.
To me, he was a true friend, and his life and character inspire this gathering.
My journey with mental health and the loss of friends to suicide is deeply personal, and it is what drives me to create spaces where people can move, connect, and heal.
Boone’s life reminds me why this work matters.”
— Sarit Benjaminov
In Motion for Life was created by Sarit through her passion project, Illuminate Movement, as her way of carrying a piece of Boone’s light forward-bringing people together, creating connection, and the kind of community that matters.
Raise a beer for Boone. Play hard. Keep his mission moving forward.
In Motion For Life
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info@illuminatemovement.org
(832) 609-8579