Nava Ratzon (originally Nava Rosen) is quoted in a feature article about lone soldiers in a 2018 issue of the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in Toronto’s magazine speaking about her service: “Embarking on a life journey, I chose to serve in the army in 2012/2013, and made Aliyah concomitantly. My parents were of course proud of my commitment and determination, and simultaneously sad about the distance that separated us – worrying about my safety and loneliness. I served in the education corps training new recruits who were also converting to Judaism. As a mefakedet (commander) I matured as a person, gained confidence and experience in managing teams of people, and was set in a direction for my future career.I perfected my Hebrew and integrated into Israeli society. As a lone soldier, I was nurtured by volunteer kibbutz families and previous teachers from Associated and CHAT. I have gained much from living in Israel, pursuing my dream, marrying an Israeli boy, and welcoming my parents when they visit.”
“Associated” and “CHAT” refer to Associated Hebrew Schools, a private Jewish elementary school in Toronto, and TanenbaumCHAT, a private Jewish high school in Toronto, respectively.
Ratzon was advertised as a guest speaker for Carleton University’s 2023 travel course “Jerusalem Connections.” Her bio on the website states: “Past conversion teacher in the IDF. Ms. Rosen spoke about her experience as a conversion teacher in the IDF reflecting on her role in the IDF as a religious woman, on issues relating to religion and identity in the IDF. Her husband, also spoke informally about his experiences as an Ethiopian Jew in Israel and in the IDF.”
Ratzon has written several articles for The Times of Israel, and is the founder of “Nourished by Nava,” the website for which states that she is a “registered dietitian, fermentation freak, and ex-dieter.”
