Isabelle (Isy) Burke, 23-24, is a Canadian from Ottawa who immigrated to Israel in 2022 and joined the Israeli military.

Burke attended the Temple Israel Religious School in Ottawa for high school. The Australian Jewish News reported in May 2024 that Burke decided to immigrate to Israel after a 10-day Birthright trip, which was “shocking” to her parents. Burke told the publication: “[Canada] wasn’t my home because of the people and Israel is my home. I tell everybody that when I went to Israel, I finally felt safe in a country that you shouldn’t feel so safe in, but it is my safe place.” She also noted that her parents are “proud” of her.

The publication reported that Burke willingly chose to join an Israeli military combat unit, and had been in an Air Force Iron Dome battery near Eilat for six months at the time of publication. Burke has also toured Jewish communities and institutions in Australia and elsewhere with United Israel Appeal to advertise her experience as a lone soldier. Describing her service at one event, Burke said, “Our actions do not only protect the State of Israel, but also safeguard the Jewish people everywhere.” She added that they fight for “the future of our children.”