FIDF’s “After The Shiva” program is a cornerstone of our mission, providing long-term emotional, financial, and community support to the families of fallen soldiers. While community support often subsides after the initial week of mourning, FIDF remains by their side for the weeks, months, and years that follow—ensuring the sacrifices of their loved ones are never forgotten and that no family must navigate their grief alone.
Holidays can be an especially painful time for bereaved families, as the void left by the loss of a loved one can be deeply felt. FIDF aims to bring comfort to these families during the holidays through small gestures that offer joy and remind them they are not alone.
This Purim, we stayed true to that commitment by delivering personal Mishloach Manot (holiday gift baskets) and heartfelt notes to every family in the program. This year, Purim fell at the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion; families were huddled in shelters instead of celebrating in synagogues. The packages served as a timely reminder of a global family that cares.
The responses we received were a moving testament to the resilience of the Israeli spirit. One mother in Ashdod shared a bittersweet moment: “The package just arrived, and at the exact same moment there was a siren… now we have something to eat in the shelter.” For others, the gift sparked a much-needed moment of joy. “The kids immediately started playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who gets what,” another parent wrote. “Their smiles are worth everything.”
The connection we share with these families is deep and enduring. As one recipient noted, “Thank you so much for your support, care, and love for our family and for all the families of the fallen heroes.” Another added, “When the package arrived yesterday, we were all over it! There is no support like yours.”
We are deeply honored to serve as the bridge between our supporters and these incredible families. As the Abraham Tebel family beautifully put it: “May this holiday be filled with sweetness, good things, joy, and happiness. Am Yisrael Chai.”
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