DALLAS, TEXAS: A 19-year-old model hailing from the Dallas area has embarked on a journey to the front lines in Israel, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Megan Daniels, a proud Jew, decided to postpone her college plans to fulfill her longstanding dream of serving in the IDF. Daniels recently completed her basic training just days before Hamas launched a massive attack against Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,400 lives.
Now, Israeli forces are on high alert, awaiting a possible invasion of Gaza in response to the attacks.
Daniels is one of the Lone Soldiers, a term used to describe IDF members who have no family in Israel to support them, and she is one of 21 such individuals who typically call Texas home, according to WFAA.
Megan Daniels' lifelong dream
Daniels' journey to Israel began as a dream planted in her mind during a visit to the country in middle school.
Her father, Eddie Daniels, recalled her passion for supporting Israel. "Megan, I think, hatched this plan when she was on a visit to Israel in middle school. She wanted to be a part of supporting Israel in the way that she thought was best and that was joining the IDF," he told KXAS.
Her mother, Taryn Daniels, admitted that many initially dismissed Megan's commitment, saying, "Everyone said it was a phase." But Megan's resolve never wavered.
When Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, the dual American-Israeli citizen was on duty in Tel Aviv. Having recently completed her basic training, she called her parents, assuring them of her safety.
Her father, Eddie Daniels, recalled the emotional conversation, saying, "She called us to say, 'Mom, Dad, I'm safe. I'm at my base.' I said 'What do you mean?' And she said the bombings started; hadn't made the news in the US yet... And when she called us later in the day, the full enormity of what had happened came down."
Taryn shared their feelings of fear and pride, "We are terrified, and she is scared, because you never anticipate something of this scale happening. Her strength and her determination and commitment to this is astounding, she’s a lot braver and stronger than I am."
Through social media posts, Megan has provided glimpses of her time in Israel. Known as a model with Matriarch Model Management, her Instagram account showcases bikini-clad and glamorous photos of the brunette.
Support from afar
Despite being thousands of miles away, Megan has felt the unwavering support from her hometown. Her mother explained, "My daughter did ask me to share with you specifically that everyone in Israel has seen that image of the Dallas skyline has been going around, and they’re all so touched by the support they’re getting from America."
Back in Texas, Megan's parents and friends have been raising funds for members of the IDF, like Megan. The donations will go to Friends of the IDF, supporting critical needs such as field hospitals, armored ambulances, medical supplies, plasma, and hygiene kits.
Eddie Daniels emphasized the importance of Megan's service, stating, "A lot of us think, had I been alive when the Holocaust happened, I would’ve done something. Well, she’s in Israel, and she can do something now. About really the greatest threat to Judaism since the Nazis."
Megan's parents now pray for her safe return while cheering on their 19-year-old cheerleader, who is half a world away. "We’re proud of the way she’s handling adversity she never imagined," Eddie said. "We know she will contribute so much to help her people and the free world make the world a better place," Taryn added.
According to Friends of the IDF (FIDF), there are currently 21 Lone soldiers from Texas serving in the IDF. FIDF is reportedly the only organization in the US authorized by the IDF to raise funds for the humanitarian needs of the soldiers.
Current needs include field hospitals, armored ambulances, medical supplies, plasma, and hygiene kits, with 100% of donations collected going directly and quickly to the IDF.
