From Queen of Denmark to

IDF

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Benjamin Schultzer, a 24-year-old Dane who at the age of 21 was recruited to the Danish army, is now serving as an IDF soldier in Hebron. At first he served with the Danish Royal Life Guard, the Danish monarchy's guard unit, and then, during his army service, he was assigned to the UN force in Lebanon . Not once did he look over to Israel – to which he always felt great fondness.

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In November 2011 he returned to Denmark, and decided to leave the army frustrated with the "lack of action" offered by service in his country. It was then that the unusual idea first popped into his head: Why not join the IDF?

Schultzer in Royal Life Guard

In June 2012, Schultzer left his family behind, came to Israel and volunteered with the IDF's Givati Brigade, where he continues to serve today. He told his friends that "the Danish army is small and professional because they have no enemies, while the Israeli army is big."

Next week Schultzer will begin the process of aliyah. He is eligible for Israeli citizenship due to the Law of Return, although he is not Jewish by halacha since only his grandfather is Jewish – and thus, he intends to convert to Judaism.

His mother may be worried, but claims that as long as her son is happy, she and the rest of the family are pleased and support his unusual life choice.

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