By 
By Sharon Rappoport
To this day, Mia isn’t sure why she was singled out to receive the prestigious President’s Excellence Award and participate in Israel’s National Parade during Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. Mia Roni Schaffer—a proud San Diego local and a combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces Keren 411 Battalion of the Artillery Corps—humbly wonders what makes her stand out.
But to her family, friends, and commanders, the answer is clear.
“Mia’s conviction is unshakable,” says her mother, Shira. “Everything she takes on, she gives 110%. That’s just who she is.” Mia is always the first to volunteer, the one who will wake after just a few hours of sleep to ensure her fellow soldiers are cared for and always goes the extra mile.
Mia’s remarkable journey began in Maryland, where she was born, before moving with her family to San Diego 15 years ago. Raised in a Zionist home, Mia grew up with a deep love for Israel, although as a teenager, that connection began to waver. “Being Jewish didn’t feel special anymore,” she reflects. At school, she endured antisemitic jokes and isolation, thinking at the time that it was simply part of life. That changed when she visited Israel at age 18.
“I connected with the country, the people, and the spirit of Israel,” she says. “I realized how abnormal it was to live in an antisemitic environment. I remembered the love for Israel my parents had taught me, and I chose to stay.”
Choosing not just to live in Israel, but to serve in a combat role in the IDF, Mia embraced her identity and her commitment to the Jewish people. Mia’s time in the army is defined by tireless dedication. Before attending the IDF’s elite Commanders’ Course, she studied during every spare moment. She trained relentlessly to build her stamina, transforming her running ability until she could complete an 8-kilometer run with ease. Her hard work paid off, earning her a coveted spot in the course.
Today, Mia embodies the strength and spirit of a new generation of Jewish leaders. Though she remains modest about her achievements, Mia’s story is an inspiration to our San Diego Jewish community and beyond—a reminder of the power of devotion, perseverance, and love for the Jewish people.
SIDEBAR
Local Hero Mia Roni Schaffer
Born in Maryland and raised in San Diego, Mia Roni Schaffer made the extraordinary decision to leave home and enlist in the Israel Defense Forces, where she now serves as a combat soldier in the Keren 411 Battalion of the Artillery Corps.
This Yom Ha’atzmaut, Mia will proudly receive the President’s Award of Excellence and march in Israel’s National Parade. Her journey—from enduring antisemitism in school to standing tall as a leader among Israel’s finest—reflects an unbreakable commitment to Israel, the Jewish people, and the values her San Diego community holds dear.
We salute Mia for her courage, perseverance, and unwavering spirit!
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