The Smiling Soldier Project: Remembering Elkana Newlander

Editor's Note: The images and stories emanating from the war in Gaza and the battles in the North are overwhelming, seemingly unrelenting. JewishPress.com is happy to share the "OTHER" moments, instances of warmth and joy in the lives of our noble IDF warriors, preserved and presented by the lens of photographer extraordinaire, Menachem Geisinsky, the founder and director of "The Smiling Soldiers Project." Find comfort and hope in these inspiring images.

Previous installments of "The Smiling Soldiers Project" have featured joyful slice-of-life moments in the lives of our soldiers. The following collection of photos is a tribute to the late Sgt. First Class (res.) Elkana Newlander, 24, from Efrat. Elkana was a combat medic in the 99th Division and was killed fighting in the central Gaza Strip. Israel is a small country with negligible separation. Menachem, the founder of "The Smiling Soldiers Project," spoke with Elkana the night before he was killed. The following are Menachem's photos presenting moments in the vibrant life of Elkana Newlander (hy"d).