The death of lone soldier Joshua Boone, after serving more than 700 days in combat throughout the war, has deeply impacted his family, friends, and the lone soldier community, who have been pushing for him to receive an official military funeral.
Mourning friends and lone soldiers spent the day at the Knesset on Tuesday, pushing for Boone to be formally recognized as a fallen soldier and receive a military funeral.
“He’s just waiting for a burial,” a friend and fellow lone soldier told lawmakers at a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting.
“He has no one else in the country except for us. I’m talking on behalf of the community of lone soldiers. This is not okay,” he told the panel.
Though the circumstances surrounding Boone’s death have not been published, his family said he suffered from severe PTSD caused by his prolonged and intensive combat service. On Sunday, Boone was found dead in his home in Beersheba.
Since Boone’s death was just over two weeks after his reserve service officially ended, the Defense Ministry does not recognize him as a fallen soldier under existing criteria. Instead, he has been offered the status of someone who “died after service.”
Boone served over 700 days in reserve duty
When war broke out on October 7, 2023, Boone immediately returned to reserve duty. Throughout the Israel-Hamas War, he served continuously on the front lines in Gaza and Lebanon, accumulating more than 700 days of reserve service during intense combat operations.
“Josh was more than just a soldier. He was a pillar of the lone soldier community. A pre-military coach, a mentor, a brother, and a source of unwavering support,” Boone’s family and the Lone Soldier Center wrote in a joint statement. “Hundreds of lone soldiers found strength, hope, and a sense of home through him. He was there for everyone - even when there was no one there for him.”
The prolonged combat took a heavy toll on Boone. In December, with the knowledge of his commanders, Boone sought treatment for severe post-traumatic stress at the Vita Mental Health Care Facility in Yehud.
Boone made aliyah and enlisted in the IDF in 2017 as a lone soldier. During his service, he served as a sniper in the Golani Brigade, earning the respect of comrades and commanders for traits of integrity, courage, and dedication.
Boone’s commitment to Israel shaped every part of his life and service. Originally from Boise, Idaho, he chose to leave his hometown and dedicate himself to protecting Israel and the Jewish people.
Friends and fellow soldiers described him as someone who volunteered for every mission and focused on protecting others, even in the most dangerous situations.
After completing his mandatory service, Boone continued working to protect Israel as a security officer in Jerusalem’s Old City and through various overseas defense assignments.
His commanders and fellow soldiers have spoken publicly about the intensity of his service and the impact he had on those around him.
Capt. (res.) Yanai Kapach, who commanded Boone during the war, said he “was always there, under anti-tank fire, even when units rotated out,” and volunteered for every mission, demonstrating both professionalism and deep concern for others.
An Instagram page was opened after his death, flooding with pictures and memories posted by loved ones.
“Josh lived as a soldier of Israel,” his family said. “He deserves to be remembered, honored, and buried as a soldier of Israel.”
Those close to him maintain that his sacrifice should not be limited by, and goes beyond, military timelines tied strictly to active service. Funeral arrangements will be announced following official recognition.
An online petition titled “A Plea for Justice and Honor: Burying IDF Hero Josh Boone at Mount Herzl” has been created to push for his military burial.
“The family pleads from the bottom of their hearts to bury him at Mount Herzl. We, the lone soldier community, make this request through our tears. We implore you – do not let this hero depart from us without the honor he earned,” Boone’s family and the Lone Soldier Center wrote.