FIDF ON A MISSION

Since November, FIDF has orchestrated 10 unique solidarity missions to Israel (with 10 more planned) to demonstrate our unyielding support for Israel’s soldiers in their greatest time of need. These missions offer supporters exclusive briefings, and meetings and visits to IDF outposts generally off limits to the public. Mission participants have the chance to intimately confront the unfathomable realities of October 7, brought to life through engagement with those most closely affected by the brutal attacks: our soldiers.

Each FIDF mission is a unique, transformative experience filled with meaning and purpose. Participants depart with a deep sense of connection to the soldiers of the IDF, enduring insights about the land of Israel, and treasured memories that linger far beyond the mission’s conclusion.

Throughout our missions, participants frequently experience unexpected moments and glimpses into the authentic and unfiltered reality of Israel. During the first mission, participants were escorted to an air force base where they received an orientation from an IDF pilot about the base’s operations, and then led out to a tarmac to view the fighter jets up close. Suddenly, the pilot apologized: he had to depart because he was needed to help finalize a two-week mission in Gaza. Surprisingly, less than 20 minutes later, multiple members of the group received alerts on their phones revealing that the very same planes they had just seen completed a successful operation in Gaza.

A visit later that month to Kibbutz Be’eri, the site of one of the most devastating attacks of October 7, offered a profound encounter with Inbar and Lior Alon, survivors of the tragedy. In sharing their heartbreaking story of loss, they recounted how their home was destroyed and most of their neighbors were either kidnapped or murdered. Despite the emotional devastation, the couple bravely showed visitors the remnants of their home, including the failed attempts by the attackers to breach the safety room. It was a deeply moving moment, as participants witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of Lior and Inbar to persevere in the hope for peace and security.

Participants on a women’s mission in March packed uniforms for soldiers at a base in Tel Hashomer. They affixed heartfelt letters of support that they brought from the U.S. Among those they encountered at the base was Eyal Eshel, a reservist and the father of the late Roni Eshel (z”l), who tragically lost her life at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7th. Eyal shared poignant memories of his courageous daughter, recounting her life story, the circumstances of her passing, and the profound pain of her loss. Despite this devastating tragedy, Eyal proudly revealed that his 17-year-old son, inspired by his sister’s legacy, eagerly anticipates beginning his military service as soon as he is eligible, even though he is not required to serve due to his sister’s death. This is just one example of the remarkable resilience and dedication of the Israeli people to the protection of their country.

Zionist social media influencer Lizzy Savetsky, who joined the women’s mission, had a touching moment with a wounded soldier at Shaare Zedek Hospital. In a gesture of compassion and solidarity, she gifted her necklace—an outline of Israel—to the soldier, symbolizing their shared unity and strength.

These missions were born out of the urgent need to provide our unyielding support for the brave men and women of the IDF, as well as our brothers and sisters in Israel. Yet, our participants came home with so much more than they gave us in return. Experiencing the realities of Israel’s soldiers and their utter heroism will forever be etched into our memories.