What is the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization and What is its Main Goal?
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is a non-profit organization established in 1991 and operating under the authority of the Law of Families of Soldiers Who Died in Battle. Our supreme goal is to support, strengthen, and empower the widows, widowers, and orphans of IDF soldiers and security forces. We strive to create a supportive and warm community for you, providing you with an anchor and security in difficult times. We believe that through close support, listening to the unique needs of each family, and providing a broad range of services, we can help you grow from bereavement and build full and meaningful lives. We see you as an integral part of our family and are committed to your complete well-being.
What Types of Support and Activities Does the Organization Offer to Bereaved Families?
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is the only official body in Israel dedicated entirely to the welfare of bereaved families. We work for the families of IDF soldiers, the Israel Police, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, the Prison Service, and civilian emergency forces, and accompany thousands of families who have lost loved ones during their service and defense of the State of Israel. We offer you a wide range of programs and activities designed to provide you with comprehensive support, strengthen you, and enable you to continue your lives while receiving the necessary response.
We understand that coping with bereavement is complex and requires a multi-dimensional response. Therefore, we provide you with:
- Grants, Scholarships, and Financial Assistance: We provide financial assistance to needy families, scholarships for orphans and widows, and special grants for significant life events, such as weddings or Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. We ensure that you receive the financial support that will enable you to cope with the economic challenges associated with loss.
- Individual and Group Support: We offer you personal guidance by social workers and professionals, who assist in coping emotionally and practically with bereavement. In addition, we operate dedicated support groups for widows, widowers, and orphans of all ages, allowing you to share experiences, receive mutual support, and learn from the experiences of others. These groups provide a safe space for sharing and processing emotions.
- Workshops, Enrichment Classes, and Vacations: We organize for you a wide range of enrichment workshops, classes, and leisure activities, tailored to your needs and interests. These workshops include, among other things, personal development workshops, creative workshops, sports classes, and cultural activities. We also hold vacations and seminars throughout the country, which provide an opportunity for you to refresh, experience shared experiences, and create social connections.
- Summer Camps for Children: We hold unique summer camps every year for orphaned children and youth, tailored to their age and needs. These camps provide a supportive and enjoyable framework, allowing children to enjoy a variety of activities, meet new friends, and share experiences with peers facing a similar situation. We believe that exposure to positive activities and connection with a peer group greatly contribute to the children's mental resilience.
- Community Events: We organize various community events throughout the year, such as state ceremonies, memorial days, holidays, and cultural events. These events allow you to come together, remember your loved ones, share their stories, and strengthen the sense of belonging to the community of bereaved families.
- Emotional Support and Response to the Unique Needs of Each Family: We offer you personalized emotional support, including psychological counseling, emotional therapy, and support groups. We understand that each family has unique needs, and therefore we make sure to provide you with a personal and tailored response, with sensitivity and a deep understanding of your situation.
For more information about the range of services and activities we offer, you are welcome to visit our website https://www.idfwo.org/. We are here for you, to accompany you in every need and at every stage.
How Does the Organization Operate in the Public Arena and What is its Vision for the Future?
Beyond direct support to families, the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization also operates vigorously in the public and parliamentary arena. We see paramount importance in representing your voice to decision-makers, and in uncompromising action to ensure your rights and well-being. We represent the widows, widowers, and orphans before the Ministry of Defense, the government, and the Knesset, and submit proposals to improve regulations and laws, with the aim of improving your conditions and improving your quality of life. We believe that only through extensive public activity can we ensure that your voice is heard and that your needs receive the appropriate response.
The organization's leadership is elected democratically by the members every four years. This leadership leads the organization's activities, formulates policy recommendations, and represents the families faithfully. We adhere to transparency and internal democracy, and allow you, the members of the organization, to be active partners in shaping our common future. The president of the organization is Yossi Cohen, former head of the Mossad, who brings with him extensive experience and exceptional leadership skills to promote our goals. In addition, the organization has international ambassadors and supporters, who assist in raising awareness of the situation of bereaved families in Israel and in achieving broader support.
Our vision is to act with sensitivity, professionalism, and dedication to improve your lives, strengthen you, and help you grow from bereavement. We aspire to create an Israeli society where every bereaved family feels enveloped, supported, and valued. We emphasize the mutual responsibility of Israeli society towards bereaved families, and convey to you a clear message – you are not alone. We are committed to continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that the sacrifice of your loved ones is not in vain, and that you receive all the support and recognition you deserve.
Our core values, which guide all our activities, are:
- Community: We strive to build and nurture a strong and supportive community for you, which will be a home and source of strength for you.
- Partnership: We believe in full cooperation with you, and in your active involvement in decision-making.
- Strength: We strive to empower you, provide you with tools for coping and growth, and strengthen your ability to influence your lives.
- Diversity: We recognize the diversity and unique needs of each family, and commit to providing a personalized response.
- Growth: We see bereavement as a starting point for personal and community growth, and encourage you to strive for continuous development.
We continue to act with determination and dedication, out of a deep understanding of the magnitude of the mission entrusted to us. We invite you to continue to be an active part of our community, and to join us in the joint effort to promote the welfare of bereaved families in Israel. Together, we will continue to build a better future.
Why is the Organization a Central Anchor for Bereaved Families in Israel?
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is a central anchor and support for you, the bereaved families, out of a deep understanding of your unique needs. We provide you with personal and group support, comprehensive assistance, and a sense of community belonging, which are essential for coping with loss and rehabilitating life. We work tirelessly to ensure your full rights and the appreciation of Israeli society towards you, in recognition of the heavy price you have paid. The central message we convey to you is that you are not alone – we are here by your side, always. We are committed to providing you with all the tools and support needed so that you can continue your lives with dignity, strength, and hope.