TEL AVIV, Israel – As Passover approaches, 118 bereaved families of Israel’s fallen soldiers are receiving critical financial support through Friends of the Israel Defense Forces’ (FIDF) After the Shiva program.
More than $430,000 is being distributed ahead of the holiday to assist families with ongoing financial needs, along with holiday shopping gift cards, personalized gifts, and herb plants to help families prepare for and observe Passover. The initiative is part of FIDF’s broader $10.3 million commitment in 2026 to care for bereaved families. It provides meaningful assistance during a holiday centered on family and tradition, helping ease both financial strain and emotional hardship.
Launched at the request of the IDF’s Casualties Department to provide an extra level of support to bereaved families during holidays, FIDF designed the After the Shiva program to help families rebuild their lives after their loss with both financial support and the strength of community behind them. While communities rally around families during the traditional seven-day mourning period, known as shiva, the months and years that follow often bring significant emotional and financial challenges.
Bereaved families in financial need are identified and connected to FIDF through IDF casualty assistance officers, ensuring support reaches those most affected. The program provides three levels of funding based on each family’s circumstances, with assistance distributed over a three-year period to address both immediate and long-term needs. Families who lost a soldier or reservist who was the primary breadwinner are prioritized.
The program pairs U.S.-based FIDF supporters with the bereaved families, fostering personal relationships that extend beyond financial assistance. Through ongoing communication, holiday outreach, and acts of remembrance, bereaved families receive consistent support in the years following their loss.
The Passover distribution marks a significant seasonal effort, ensuring families can approach the holiday with dignity and support even in the face of profound loss.
“Supporting bereaved families is a sacred responsibility that reflects the deep bond between Israel’s supporters around the world and those who have made the greatest sacrifice on behalf of the State of Israel,” said FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan. “Through programs like After the Shiva, we are committed to standing by these families not only in the immediate aftermath of their loss, but throughout the long journey of rebuilding their lives with care, dignity and unwavering support.”
“For many bereaved families, the holidays are especially difficult. They are not only grieving the loss of a loved one but also facing added holiday expenses. Our hope is that our After The Shiva program will ease some of this burden and help them celebrate Passover more fully,” he added.
FIDF organizes every aspect of the After The Shiva program, from carefully matching donors with families based on shared backgrounds and values to facilitating ongoing communication through video calls, messages and holiday outreach. The organization also coordinates support throughout the year, including birthdays and memorial anniversaries, ensuring continued care and connection. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting the brave men and women of the IDF who risk everything to protect the State of Israel and the Jewish people. While the mission of the IDF’s heroes is to look after Israel, defending its people, borders and freedom, FIDF’s mission is to look after them. FIDF provides life-changing support through education, financial aid, bereavement programs, mental health services and more, ensuring that every soldier, veteran and bereaved family knows they are not alone.
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