While the vast majority of American Jews have heard of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), many people perceive this prestigious nonprofit as being involved in supplying weaponry and military supplies. This is far from the truth. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provides a unification platform and serves as a great equalizer for Jews from five continents, 70 countries, all economic backgrounds and diverse perspectives. FIDF, the official organization raising funds for the IDF with 25 chapters around the U.S., provides transformational solutions for all Israeli soldiers through educational and well-being programs aimed at building the future of Israel and the Jewish people. FIDF not only supports IDF soldiers but also builds deep bonds and lasting connections between communities in North America and in Israel, the Jewish homeland.
FIDF is helping the IDF transform Israeli society by giving these brave young men and women a chance to complete their high-school studies, pursue higher education and receive crucial financial assistance. These opportunities are life-changing. Through them, FIDF continues supporting the ever-evolving needs of the IDF during not only these unprecedented times but for many generations to come.
The work FIDF is doing is more important now than ever. The organization has implemented programs to address the emergency needs of all soldiers during the pandemic, both on bases across Israel and those quarantined at home.
The IDF has been intensifying its efforts to assist all sectors of the Israeli population while protecting its borders and maintaining operational preparedness. Collaborating with the Israeli government and partnering to help with civilian missions, IDF soldiers have been instrumental in providing vital medical care for coronavirus patients, delivering meals to the sick, operating the COVID-19 ward at Rambam Hospital and setting up walk-in clinics for coronavirus testing in cities across Israel — and their work continues. Throughout this difficult year, FIDF has been there every step of the way, working closely with IDF officials to support its soldiers’ increasing needs.
An important aspect of this support is providing financial assistance to soldiers and their families. In 2019, FIDF assisted approximately 8,000 soldiers living at or below the poverty line by providing critical aid for basic appliances and furniture, food vouchers, special grants and holiday gift vouchers. In 2020, amid the pandemic, the number of eligible soldiers for this program increased by 275% to nearly 30,000. Many soldiers’ family members lost their jobs and their main sources of income. FIDF was able to reduce their financial worries temporarily, but their hardships continue to grow. For 2021, FIDF aims to provide an additional $8 million in financial relief to help the IDF fight economic challenges brought about by COVID-19.
Another main priority for FIDF has been its Project Overcome initiative, which assists young Israeli soldiers who struggle with emotional problems, addictions, low self-esteem or lack of ambition, often exacerbated by poverty and criminal backgrounds. Through Project Overcome, which takes place during the course of their IDF service, at-risk youth can reform their behavior and gain tools and life skills essential for army service and in the civilian market. Every year, around 14,000 IDF soldiers benefit from FIDF’s Project Overcome.
In addition, FIDF continues to invest heavily in its education programs. Chief among these is the Impact! Scholarship program, tailored to former combat soldiers who come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds and empowering them to achieve their dreams of higher education. This year alone, 4,200 soldiers received Impact! scholarships, with students facing unprecedented economic hardships during 2020.
While all these programs serve all IDF soldiers across the board, FIDF provides additional guidance and personalized support to Lone Soldiers from all over the world, including flights to visit family and friends in their countries of origin, a 24-hour call center for soldiers and their parents, grants and financial assistance, holiday gift packages and vouchers, Shabbat and holiday meals, social networks and gatherings for soldiers and parents, fun and recreation days, post-service scholarships to those eligible and soldiers’ homes throughout Israel. Currently, there are about 7,000 Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF, with about half coming from over 70 countries around the world. Approximately 1,000 Lone Soldiers are from the United States.
Shira Siegel, a Lone Soldier from Arizona serving in the IDF Search and Rescue unit, assisted her unit in packaging and delivering food to Israelis who were unable to leave home and in sanitizing hospitals and other infected areas during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re not just about combat; we’re about helping people, and there is a humanitarian aspect to it —which really drew me to the unit,” Siegel said. She noted that she is very grateful for FIDF, who funded her flight home to surprise her parents just before the virus hit.
STAYING IN TOUCH
FIDF’s galas across the U.S. have become some of the largest and most prestigious galas in the American Jewish philanthropic community. In 2020, FIDF held its first-ever national virtual gala, bringing together thousands of FIDF supporters from across the country to express their appreciation for the brave young men and women of the IDF. This FIDF adaptation enabled the global FIDF family to unite for an unprecedented night of giving and extraordinary solidarity, saluting Israel’s IDF protectors despite the limitations posed by the pandemic.
To provide official information and direct access to IDF soldiers and Israeli officials amid the coronavirus outbreak, FIDF launched FIDF Engage in March 2020 — a free, virtual event series and online portal. This series supports FIDF’s fundraising efforts and shows how Israel, with the ongoing help of the IDF, is tackling the virus in real time.
FIDF’s end-of-year series, “Behind the Headlines,” granted supporters exclusive access and insights into Israeli news and newsmakers, delivered by the people who shape historic events. The series shed light on the growing impact of the IDF on all aspects of Israeli society and on new frontiers.
In 2021, FIDF plans to introduce more of these immediate interactions between supporters and IDF soldiers and commanders by means of various online platforms. Whenever possible, FIDF chapters across the country hope to start hosting small events again, during which the community can come together, reconnect and celebrate its shared cause for the soldiers. It is expected that FIDF will also be able to announce the return of its renowned in-person galas soon, welcoming again delegations of IDF soldiers to participate in events throughout the U.S. and reinstating its historic missions to Israel and Poland.
NEW LEADERSHIP
In September, FIDF welcomed its new National Director and CEO Steven Weil, who plans to develop FIDF in the long term and build upon its vital position within the American philanthropic community. Weil is focusing on expanding the organization’s core base and connecting American Jewry — from all backgrounds and world views — to the future of Israel through the lives of the soldiers.
“While this year has presented unexpected challenges for FIDF and the IDF soldiers, we continue to be resilient and remain true to our mission: to transform Israeli society, one soldier at a time,” Weil said. “So many soldiers are facing financial hardships, be it helping to support their families or struggling to afford basic supplies and education. The economic and social difficulties posed by the pandemic will continue well into 2021. Now is the time when these brave young men and women need us most, and we look to our supporters to continue honoring those who protect Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.”
FIDF has big plans to deepen the connection of the next generation of Jewish Diaspora to Israel. Building a stronger Israel, they invite you to join the FIDF cause.
fidf.org
galit.brichta@fidf.org
(646) 274-9701
