Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)

"FIDF supports thousands of bereaved families who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one killed during military service. It is an honor to open our homes and hearts to the Legacy campers,” — Friends of the #Israel Defense Forces CEO Steve Weil. #FIDF is the only U.S. 501c3 organization working directly and daily with the #IDF leadership to provide for the health, well-being, and education of Israel’s protectors. Our mission is clear https://lnkd.in/eXdpPvSp

What does #FIDF do? From building base shelters and donating field hospitals to funding rehabilitation centers and sponsoring post-service scholarships, we are committed to supporting IDF soldiers who safeguard Israel’s future, ensuring they receive the care they need throughout their lives. They protect Israel. We protect them. Explore our #fundraising #philanthropy opportunities here: https://www.fidf.org/

FIDF brings the highest number of bereaved children in the organization's history to the U.S. for summer camp and road trips. Our annual Legacy Summer program for #Israel's children who have lost a parent or a sibling, is a transformative #FIDF experience that provides friendship, support, and community to help them in their healing journey. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eaS7AYgW

“On the flight to Washington, I met Tamara, Esther and Daniel who lost their brothers on October 7th and are visiting the United States as part of a program for orphaned brothers and sisters organized by the IDF & FIDF.” -Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defense of Israel To learn more about the Legacy Summer Camp program and bereaved family support, visit https://bit.ly/4cIQomd

Today, on #NationalPTSDAwarenessDay, join FIDF in leading the support, care, and treatment of IDF soldiers with PTSD. Donate now: https://bit.ly/45FJtI5

The Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer has launched the Returning to Life National Center for Mental Trauma, in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces Disabled Veterans Organization, with the support of SIBAT - Israel Ministry of Defense and thanks to an unprecedented donation from the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF).     The National Center for Mental Trauma will operate nationwide from Sheba to Be’er Sheba, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Nahariya. It will serve as a professional therapeutic home for all security forces and their families who need mental health help and assistance following the events of October 7th and the Iron Swords War. The center will offer a variety of treatments by mental health trauma experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, who are being trained at Sheba Medical Center.     "As the war continued, we at FIDF recognized there is a new and immediate need: a rehabilitation center to care for soldiers who fought and were injured, both physically and mentally," Morey Levovitz Chairman of the FIDF said. "We did not hesitate for a moment and found great partners in Sheba, which has an existing rehabilitation center that has now been significantly expanded and adapted to meet the growing demands of the war. This is our way of saying thank you to all the soldiers who were injured while protecting us, the homeland, and the Jewish people."    "It's not just about treating organic injuries or just saving lives. We are looking for a tourniquet for the soul, ensuring that the recovering soldiers will flourish in their lives and we needed someone to push us in that direction," said Prof. Yitshak Kreiss Director General of Sheba Medical Center. " FIDF, early on in the war told us, don't worry we will take the journey with you, move forward. You have made us change, to think ahead about treating PTSD. Sometimes it takes a push from a member of the 'mishpacha' to bring us all together. This is how revolutions are made!" Support this crucial mission now: https://bit.ly/45f7fdO #MentalHealth #PTSD #SupportOurSoldiers #FIDF #IDF

15% of combat soldiers experience acute PTSD, while another 30% experience milder symptoms. For those with physical injuries, the estimates rise to 25%. FIDF is leading the support, care, and treatment of IDF soldiers with PTSD in partnership with Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer Support this crucial mission now: https://bit.ly/45f7fdO #MentalHealth #PTSD #SupportOurSoldiers #FIDF #IDF 

Thank you, Jerusalem Post, for standing with us as we honor the legacies of 600+ courageous IDF heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice since the tragic events of October 7, defending Israel and democracy worldwide. Visit fidf.org/hallofcourage to read their stories and light virtual candles in their honor. Heartfelt condolence letters shared online will be personally delivered to the bereaved families. #YomHaZikaron #FallenSoldiers #RemembranceDay #October7 #IDF #Israel

As we approach #YomHaZikaron, Israel's Day of Remembrance, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude and sorrow for Israel's fallen heroes and bereaved families. As a partner organization of the IDF in the United States, we invite you to discover and honor the courageous men and women whose lives were cut tragically short. Light virtual candles and share your condolences. We will collect and personally deliver your letters to the families of the fallen in #Israel, providing support from across the USA. https://bit.ly/3UWyIx9 

In the aftermath of October 7, @Robert Huebscher, son of holocaust survivors and a dedicated FIDF supporter, embarked on a profound journey to Israel as part of an exclusive FIDF mission. He recounts his eye-opening, transformative experience – visiting the sites of the massacres and gaining insights into the IDF’s ethical code – and shares chilling reflections of history repeating itself. #IDF #FIDF #Jewishhistory #Israel https://lnkd.in/eebYf7gM