Once a Paratrooper: The Story of a Lone Soldier in the Gaza War

by Ira Kohler, Orna & Ronen Neutra (Foreword)

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2026

Reviews

[Debbie S]

I heard Ira speak at an online event and I was blown away by his experience and his ability to explain it. I thought he was the best speaker I had ever heard- let alone on a very specific topic. I was so excited to learn he was writing a book because i needed to have more time to understand and digest his story than a one hour talk. The book lives up to and exceeds all expectations I could have had for it. He explains his experience moving to Israel, serving in the IDF, his personal experiences on October 7th and serving in the military and return to civilian life thereafter with such poise, sensitivity and clarity that it is important, as a reader, to remind oneself that the author is a young man, just beginning his adulthood. In both his actions and his writing, Ira shows humanity far beyond his years. The world needs more Ira Kohlers. READ THIS BOOK COVER TO COVER.

[Dana]

I am so immensely proud of my friend Ira. This book is such a well-written and emotional expression of dealing with conflict, as well as a way to keep the memories of those we’ve lost alive.

Ira, your voice is so needed in a time where people dehumanize conflict. You humanize it and share such an important story. I’m proud of how you are using your voice for good, and I recommend this book to anyone looking to gain perspective about the lasting influence of October 7.

[Rafi Rank]

Ira Kohler’s fascinating Once A Paratrooper is a must read for anyone who wants to further understand the Jewish people, the IDF, and the intimate interplay between Zionism and Judaism. On October 7, 2023 Kohler, a young American from Long Island, found himself in the throes of Jewish history, and helped shape a story that will be studied and taught for centuries to come. Mr. Kohler takes us on his journey, from making the decision to join the IDF, to breaking the news to his parents, to boot camp, and finally, to the transition between preparing for and then suddenly being thrust into violent warfare. Mr. Kohler’s poignant tale further hinges on his devotion to retrieving his long-time friend, Omer Neutra, taken hostage on October 7. The IDF is a formidable military organization, revered by some and vilified by many others. We owe a debt to Mr. Kohler for his faithful coverage of life in the IDF, before, during, and after war. War is a terrible thing under any circumstance, but to truly understand what the IDF and Israel are about, as well as the moral discipline of the Jewish people. we should hear it from a soldier with a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. That is who Mr. Kohler is, and Once a Paratrooper is his story.

[Sarah Haiken Dray]

Once a Paratrooper is a deeply personal and honest account of what it means to be a lone soldier in Gaza after October 7th, and it brings a level of nuance and humanity that you just do not get from the news or social media. It is not trying to be heroic or dramatic, it is just real.

At a time when there is so much dehumanization around Jews and Israelis, this kind of storytelling really matters because it reminds you that these are people with full lives, emotions, and complexity. Thank you, Ira, for your service, your courage, and for sharing this story. May Amir, Omer, and Yair’s memories forever be a blessing.

[Reader]

Ira Kohler shares his experience as a lone soldier with honesty and raw emotion, capturing both the intensity of combat and the lasting impact it has off the battlefield.
What stands out most is the human side of the story and his friendship with Captain Omer Neutra, z”l. It’s moving, eye-opening, and stays with you long after you finish.
Highly recommend.

[Marge]

This book takes the reader inside one young man’s life-changing experience of serving in the Israel Defense Force before, during, and after Hamas’ October 7, 2923 surprise attack on Israel. It gives readers a chance to know what soldiers actually do - how they train, what it’s like in war, down to what they eat and how they spend their time between assignments. Also after discharge there’s the challenge of readjusting to civilian life. The author has a very engaging and readable style.

[Samantha Weinstein]

Amazing book!! Very moving and honest

[Jessica Shapiro]

A must read!

[Yves Farhi]

Hazak hazak! Great book.