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ACT NOW: We are witnessing history. Ensure our brave IDF soldiers have the essential well-being resources and services they need during Operation Roaring Lion.

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  • Our Mission
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          About Us

          Discover how we transform the lives of young men and women of IDF
          How We Help
          Emergency Well-Being Support

          Making a frontline difference.

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          Leading support, care, and treatment.

          Financial Support

          Investing in the protectors of our homeland.

          Education Programs
          Empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
          Wounded Soldier and Bereaved Family Support

          Healing those who need it most.

          Lone Soldier Support

          Ensuring they never feel alone.

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          Giving purpose and meaning.

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ACT NOW: We are witnessing history. Ensure our brave IDF soldiers have the essential well-being resources and services they need during Operation Roaring Lion.

  • Our Mission
        • Our Mission

          About Us

          Discover how we transform the lives of young men and women of IDF
          How We Help
          Emergency Well-Being Support

          Making a frontline difference.

          PTSD and Mental Health Services

          Leading support, care, and treatment.

          Financial Support

          Investing in the protectors of our homeland.

          Education Programs
          Empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
          Wounded Soldier and Bereaved Family Support

          Healing those who need it most.

          Lone Soldier Support

          Ensuring they never feel alone.

          Spiritual and Heritage Programs

          Giving purpose and meaning.

          Construction Projects
          Building a home away from home.
          News
          Subscribe
          Shop
          Contact
  • Our Community
        • Our Community

          Support In Action

          Explore the latest news and remarkable stories of the people who make up FIDF.

          FIDF Leadership
          Meet our board members and executive staff.
          Local Chapters
          Find your local community to get involved.
          FIDF Societies

          Become a member of our distinguished donor circles.

          Young Leadership
          Join our proud network of emerging leaders.
          Subscribe
          News
          Contact
          Shop
          News
          Subscribe
          Shop
          Contact
  • Get Involved
        • Get Involved

          Connect with your Community

          Your FIDF journey starts here.

          Join Your Local Chapter

          Become a Friend of the IDF.

          Attend an Event

          Browse our event calendar.

          Go on an FIDF Mission

          Travel alongside Israel’s heroes.

          Remember October 7th

          Witness through their stories.

          Visit the Hall of Courage

          Honor fallen soldiers since October 7.

          Pledge Your Birthday

          Dedicate your special day to Israel’s soldiers.

          Mitzvah Projects

          Add even more meaning to your day.

          Write to an IDF Soldier

          Send your personal message and we will hand-deliver it.

          News
          Subscribe
          Shop
          Contact
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  • Donate
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Shop
  • Donate
    • One Time Gift
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Soldier Stories

Soldier Stories

Honoring Major Ido Shani: A Father’s Journey from Loss to Community

  • December 2, 2025
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“Our Ido was 29 when he fell in combat near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom-Shula, leading his soldiers with courage and heart. Since then, our lives have been filled with longing and missed opportunities, the moments that could’ve been but never will be.

Joining an FIDF retreat changed everything. It gave us air to breathe — a place where we could finally let our guard down and be surrounded by others who truly understood our pain. The retreat offered warmth, therapy, rest, and a sense of belonging we hadn’t felt since losing Ido. It reminded us that even in grief, we are not alone.

–Tomi, father of Major Ido Shani, z”l“

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. Through global partnerships and unwavering commitment, FIDF stands as a pillar of strength for those who sacrifice so much in service to the Jewish homeland. For more information visit: https://www.fidf.org/

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logo-fidf-footer

About

  • About FIDF
  • Support in Action
  • Videos
  • Careers
  • About FIDF
  • Support in Action
  • Videos
  • Careers

Community

  • FIDF Leadership
  • Chapters
  • Young Leadership
  • Contact Us
  • FIDF Leadership
  • Chapters
  • Young Leadership
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Explore Events
  • Join an FIDF Mission
  • Matching Gifts
  • Planned Giving and Foundations
  • Explore Events
  • Join an FIDF Mission
  • Matching Gifts
  • Planned Giving and Foundations

A gift that secures Israel's future.

Donate

Email Signup

Breaking news, insights from the ground, and opportunities for support.

Please leave this field empty

A gift that secures Israel's future.

Donate
FIDF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (TIN: 13-3156445). Charitable contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
© 2026 Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Financials
  • Charitable Disclosure Statements
  • Grants Due Diligence Policy
  • Website by 829
  • Privacy Policy
  • Financials
  • Charitable Disclosure Statements
  • Grants Due Diligence Policy
  • Website by 829
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube Tiktok

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