Staff Sgt. Rose Ida Lubin HY"D: A Guardian of Jerusalem, A Light for the World

On November 6, 2023, Israel lost one of its brightest young defenders — Staff Sgt. Elisheva Rose Ida Lubin HY"D, a courageous lone soldier in the Israel Border Police who was killed in a terror attack while protecting Jerusalem’s Old City.

Rose’s story is rooted in strong conviction, Jewish pride, and steadfast courage. Born in Atlanta and raised in a caring, supportive community, Rose developed a deep love for Israel and the Jewish people. Long before wearing a uniform, she carried the heart of a protector inside her.

Early Life: A Creative Soul with a Warrior’s Heart

Rose was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended Dunwoody High School (Class of 2021). She excelled in many areas: varsity cheerleading, high school wrestling, illustration, poetry, and playwriting. Friends and teachers described her as “brilliant,” “fearless,” “creative,” and “overflowing with kindness.”

Yet beneath her artistic talent was a deep sense of purpose. As early as age eight, Rose declared that she would someday move to Israel and “do something great for the world.” She believed in living boldly, with purpose and responsibility.

Aliyah: Turning Purpose into Action

Shortly after graduating high school, Rose made aliyah alone, choosing to become a “lone soldier” and serving without immediate family in Israel. She enlisted in Magav (Israel Border Police), one of the country’s most challenging security units.

Rose quickly distinguished herself through:

• Exceptional physical performance

• Strong leadership qualities

• Service as a certified fitness trainer for fellow soldiers

• Deep commitment to the Jewish people and the safety of Israel

She specifically requested to be stationed in Jerusalem’s Old City, including the notoriously dangerous Damascus Gate sector — a posting that many avoid. To Rose, this was not a burden but an honor.

October 7, 2023: Courage Under Fire

On the morning of the Hamas massacre, Rose was spending Shabbat at Kibbutz Sa’ad, just minutes from the Gaza border.

When gunfire erupted, she immediately:

• Put on her uniform

• Took up arms

• Ran to the kibbutz gate

• Helped repel the attempted infiltration

• Assisted the wounded under active attack

Her bravery helped shield the community from a complete breach. Although shaken, she refused to take leave, choosing instead to resume her duties in Jerusalem, where she believed she was needed most.

Fallen in the Line of Duty

On November 6, 2023, while on security duty near Damascus Gate, Rose was stabbed in a terror attack and later succumbed to her wounds. She was 20 years old.

She was laid to rest on Mount Herzl with full honors. Her funeral drew thousands — soldiers, commanders, rabbis, diplomats, and fellow lone soldiers who saw her as a sister.

A Legacy of Light

After her passing:

• The Georgia General Assembly honored her with a resolution.

• The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life established the Rose Lubin Jewish Pride Award in her memory.

• Her story continues to inspire Jewish resilience worldwide.

Rose embodied what it means to live with courage and conviction — to choose service over comfort, purpose over ease, and light over fear.

As her family shared from her Bat Mitzvah speech:

“I will not wait for the world to do something great for me; I will do something great for the world.”

She fulfilled those words fully, bravely, and beautifully.

Why Her Story Resonates With SoulLinks

SoulLinks is deeply connected to the men and women across the world who serve and protect with courage anchored in faith. Rose’s life speaks directly to that mission:

• Spiritual resilience under pressure

• Service rooted in Jewish identity

• Sacrifice for the safety of others

• Leadership through compassion and conviction

Her story is both an inspiration and a reminder of the heavy price paid by those who stand in defense of life, freedom, and the Jewish people.

May her memory be a blessing — and a source of strength for all who continue her mission.

Five-year-old Rose Lubin at the Western Wall in Jerusalem