A teenage model from the Dallas area is the latest American who will soon head to the front lines to fight in Israel’s war against Hamas.
In this case, Megan Daniels, 19, completed her basic training just days before Hamas launched a massive attack on Israel, killing 1,400 people. Now Israeli forces are awaiting an invasion of Gaza in response to the terrorist actions.
Daniels, 19, is awaiting assignment in Israel and is one of 21 so-called “lone soldiers” — a member of the IDF with no family in Israel to support them — who typically call Texas home, according to WFAA.
When Daniels recently graduated from Parish Episcopal School in Plano, Texas, she postponed her studies to go to Israel.
“Megan, I think, came up with this plan when she was visiting Israel in high school,” her father, Eddie Daniels, said. KXAS.
Megan Daniels, 19, of Dallas, was in Tel Aviv and had just completed basic training with the IDF when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
Before joining the IDF, Daniels modeled for Matriarch Model Management
Daniel’s parents describe their daughter as a normal kid who goes to prom and completes high school before enrolling
“She wanted to be part of supporting Israel in the way she thought was best and that was by joining the IDF.”
When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, the dual American-Israeli citizen was on duty in Tel Aviv. She had just completed her basic training days before the attack.
“We’re terrified, and she’s scared, because you never expect something of this magnitude to happen,” her mother, Taryn, told WFAA.
‘Her strength and her determination and commitment to this are amazing, she’s a lot braver and stronger than me.’
In recent months, the model-turned-soldier has shared a small glimpse into her time in Israel posts on social media. Listed as a model with Matriarch Model Management, Daniels’ Instagram account is filled with bikini-clad and glamorous snaps of the brunette.
In a TikTok video, she jokes about being sent home from the military on her first day.
Listed as a model with Matriarch Model Management, Daniels’ Instagram account is full of bikini-clad and glamorous photos of the brunette
Daniels, 19, is awaiting assignment in Israel and is one of 21 so-called ‘lone soldiers’ who typically call Texas home
In addition to modeling, her parents say their daughter was a cheerleader in school
“Her strength and her determination and commitment to this are amazing, she’s a lot braver and stronger than me,” her parents said.
Despite being half a world away, the support from home has found its way.
“My daughter asked me to specifically share with you that everyone in Israel saw that image of the Dallas skyline and they were all so touched by the support they received from America,” her mother explained.
The images of a blue and white Dallas skyline in solidarity with Israel were seen and cherished by Daniels.
Meanwhile, her parents and friends have been raising money for IDF members like Megan.
All money raised will go to Friends of the IDF for field hospitals, armored ambulances, medical supplies, plasma and hygiene kits.
“Many of us think: If I had been alive when the Holocaust happened, I would have done something,” Eddy said.
“Well, she’s in Israel and she can do something now. Actually, about the greatest threat to Judaism since the Nazis.’