Operation Roaring Lion: The FIDF Impact

The Launch of the Operation Roaring Lion Emergency Campaign

On February 28th, the landscape of Israel’s security changed in an instant. In response to existential threats from the Iranian regime, Israel and the U.S. launched Operation Roaring Lion—the largest air operation in the history of the Israeli Air Force. While our heroes achieved astonishing success in the first 24 hours—dismantling ballistic sites and shattering terror infrastructure—the cost of war on our soldiers and families across Israel is immense.

With schools closed, businesses on pause, and families rushing to shelters amidst a murderous barrage of Iranian missile strikes, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) launched an Emergency Campaign to meet the evolving needs of our protectors.

$6.5 million was transferred to respond to the urgent needs of the soldiers of Operation Roaring Lion, including $4.7 million for the IDF Medical Corps to fund critical field equipment.

The Urgent Needs on the Frontlines

Our soldiers were in the midst of a multi-front war, flying multiple missions a day over Tehran and re-engaging threats in the north, all while shielding civilians in the heart of the country. The IDF called upon FIDF to mobilize additional resources for urgent wartime well-being needs that fall outside the standard military budget. Our immediate focus included:

• Life-Saving Medical Supplies: $4.7 million was sent to the IDF Medical Corps to fund critical field equipment: portable blood storage for evacuation vehicles, lightweight oxygen for treatment on the move, advanced monitors that track soldiers’ vitals from injury through evacuation, and tactical medical gear for special units.
• Support for Active-Duty and Reservist Families: With 150,000 reservists pulled away from their jobs and businesses, we provided direct financial relief and food vouchers to families facing extreme economic strain after two years of war.
• Mental Health Services: The psychological toll of this intensity cannot be overstated. FIDF has been steadily expanding access to trauma care and mental health solutions for soldiers and veterans navigating the horrors of the battlefield.

Your Impact, Guaranteed

At FIDF, we believe our soldiers should only have to focus on their complex military missions, not whether their families can afford necessities or if they will have access to vital services and supplies. We are proud to announce that 100% of all funds raised for this emergency campaign were sent directly to Israel with no overhead taken. Emergency Campaign gifts were immediately deployed to provide essential humanitarian supplies and a much-needed reprieve for the brave soldiers defending the State of Israel. FIDF-donated medical supplies were used by active units on the northern border and across the country to respond to both soldier and civilian needs. Hundreds of thousands of personal supply packages and meals were also distributed to key operational units.

Financial support for soldier well-being was sent to Hatzor, Nevatim, Ramat David, Tel Nof, and Palmachim Air Force Bases; the Ramot Intelligence Base; the Iron Dome Unit; David’s Sling Battalion; Air Defense Unit; Air Force Battalion; Flotilla 3 Companies; the Maoz and Moledet ships; Home Front Command Kedem, Tavor, and Ram Battalions; Home Front Command Headquarters; the Air Force Coordination Unit; the Home Front Command Training School; intelligence bases in Urim and Tzfat; the soldiers of Unit 8200 at Znifim Base; and others.

What sets FIDF apart is our steadfast partnership with the IDF, enabling us to provide the fastest, most direct support to soldiers in every unit across Israel. We stood by the pilots in their cockpits, the search-and-rescue teams in the field, and the medics providing life-saving care. We provided both material relief and set a powerful reminder that America stands behind them.

This is not only Israel’s war. Our soldiers are fighting for all of us in a historic moment that will define the balance of global power for generations.

Our guardians continue to put their lives at risk to answer the ultimate call of duty. Thank you for strengthening their spirits and caring for them while they’re on the front lines. Am Yisrael Chai.