About Us
About Us
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is a non-profit organization that was established in 1991 as the sole organization, recognized by the State of Israel, to represent the widows, widowers, and orphans of Israel’s fallen soldiers.
What We Do
Today, we work with over 8,000 women, men, and children who lost their loved ones during their service to the state.
Our Mission
We strive to provide them, with the support, both financial and emotional, that a parent or spouse generally provides for his or her family, and to make a difference in the lives of our widows, widowers, and orphans.
Our Vision
Although it is impossible to fill the void of a lost spouse or parent, IDFWO works tirelessly to be a helping hand and to provide some of the warmth and love that these families are now missing.
Our Values
Israel Defense and Security Forces Personnel, made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country, and we have therefore chosen to honor their memories by supporting the families they left behind.
IDFWO is a fully democratic organization. The 50 members of IDFWO’s general assembly are elected every four years. During this election cycle, seven members are elected to the Board of Directors, which is headed by the chairwoman, currently Tami Shelach. All members of our general assembly are volunteer widows, widowers, or adult orphans
The IDFWO has branches located throughout Israel to address the needs of members in their specific regions, and each branch has its own Board of Directors including a representative from the IDFWO head office.
IDFWO Canada is our non-profit organization registered in Canada (Charitable Registration Number: 816519243 RR000) working directly with IDFWO on behalf of the widows, widowers, and orphans of Israel’s fallen soldiers.
Thanks to your generous donations, we are able to run all of our wonderful programs and activities as well as provide scholarships and financial assistance for our widows, widowers, and orphans.
The IDFWO Organization’s overhead costs are covered by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and membership fees, so you can support us knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly towards our programs for widows and orphans.
The widow of the late Lt. Col. Gat z”l Israel who fell in 1990.
“Believe you can and you're halfway there, I believe”
The widow of the late Rabbi Sergeant Sela Ahar z”l who fell in 2007.
“Mark your goal and conquer it with full power”
The widow of the late Major Meydan (Dadon) Yosef z”l who fell in 1984.
“You only need to want, try, and always hold your head up high and look forward”
The widow of the late Sergeant Harel Zakaria z”l who fell in 1974.
“Courage does not always come with a roar, sometimes it's just the little voice at the end of the day that says, 'I'll try again tomorrow’”
The widow of the late Sergeant Torston David z”l who fell in 1982.
“Love, smile and move mountains”
Our Team
Shlomi Nahumson
CEO
Alona Asseo
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Debbie Azoulay
Project Manager
Yehuda Katz
Project Manager
Mazi Stroll
Office Manager
Nitzan Ben Eliyahu
Project Manager for Youth Programs
Eden Niflaei
Sharing Our Stories
The woman we served are filled with some of the most inspiring stories you will ever hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IDFWO’s Registered Charity Number is 580202166. Our sister organization in Canada, IDFWOCA’s Charitable Registration Number: 816519243 RR0001.
You will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation if you are from one of the following countries or regions: Israel, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, EU, Australia. We are working hard to provide tax-deductible receipts for as many countries as possible, and will constantly be updating our Donate Now page.
The IDFWO Organization receives funding from the Israeli Minisry of Defense and from membership fees, which cover our overhead costs. This way, we can ensure that 100% of your donation goes directly towards programs for widows and orphans. However, online giving platforms such as PayPal and Israel Gives charge a small transactional fee, which means that if you donate using these methods, we will receive slightly less than 100% of your donation.
Yes, we would be thrilled if you came to volunteer with us! We can always use help with both administrative work as well as with our programs. Please note that if you want to volunteer as a Mentor or as an Otzma Camp Counselor, a minimum commitment of two years is required. To sign up as a volunteer, please click here.
Yes, the IDFWO Organization is a fully democratic organization. The 50 members of its general assemly are elected every four years. They in turn elect seven members to serve on the Board of Directors, which is headed by the chairwoman, presently Tami Shelach. There are IDFWO branches located throughout the country, who address the needs of members in each of their regions. Each branch is headed by its own Board of Directors with a representative from the IDFWO Organization.
IDFWO Chairwoman
Tami ShelachThe widow of the late Lt. Col. Ehud Shelach z”l who fell in 1973.
“With great responsibility and giving a full heart, I will direct the organization to ensure the safety of all its members on various levels”