The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization was established in 1991 and operates on the basis of the Fallen Soldiers’ Families Law 5710-1950, with the aim of supporting and empowering those who have paid the highest price of all - the widows and orphans.
The organization runs projects and activities year-round. It is the representative body for widows and orphans at the legislative level and in the face of the wider public, and it offers emotional, social, financial, and any other necessary support.
Our message is sharp and clear: They are not alone and we, along with the entire Israeli public, remember and respect the inconceivable price they have paid.
The organization operates as a democratic entity with elections occurring every four years, when 50 members are elected to serve in a general assembly. The executive board is elected from the members of the assembly, with the chairperson at its head. As the body responsible for managing the organization’s affairs, the executive board examines the needs of the widows and orphans and submits proposals to the Ministry of Defense for the improvement of existing regulations. The board is also active in the government and Knesset to initiate legislation on various issues concerning the public promotion of the widows and orphans.
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization will perform out of a sense of responsibility and commitment to the bereaved community of widows and orphans of servicemen from the IDF and security forces, through a display of professionalism, courteousness, patience, accessibility, and innovation. The organization will work towards accommodating the needs of the widows and orphans; it will create a positive impact on public opinion and decision-makers, and will promote a sense of belonging to create a strong, supportive community.
PRESIDENT
Board Member
Board Member
Chairman
Tami Shelah’s involvement in the community spans many years in the framework of the Widow Supports a Widow program. In 2012, she was elected to serve on the executive board, and she has served as the organization’s chairperson since 2016. Tami is the widow of the late Lt. Col. Udi Shelah who was killed serving as a fighter pilot and commander of a fighter squadron in the Yom Kippur War. Tami and Udi established three generations of fighter pilots, the youngest of whom serves in the same squadron his grandfather commanded. Tami works day and night as a full-time volunteer with tireless dedication to the widow and orphan community.
Board member
Widow of Lt. Col. Yisrael Gat, who fell in 1990
Believing in your ability is already half the journey; I believe.
Board member
Widow of Sgt. Major Aharon Sela, who fell in 2007
Mark your goal and conquer it with all your might.
Board member
Widow of Maj. Yosef Meydan (Dadon), who fell in 1984
You just need the desire and to strive, to dare, always looking forward with your head held high.
Board member
Widow of Sgt. Harel Zacharia, who fell in 1974
Courage does not always emerge with a roar; sometimes it’s just a small voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Board member
Widow of Sgt. David Thurston who fell in 1982
Love, smile, and give: It moves mountains.
Board Member
Widow of Master Sgt. Reuven Nefesh who fell in 1981
life is not a journey of searching for oneself, but of creating oneself with giving and smiling.
Board member
The son of staff sergeant Shibel Ibrahim who fell in 1993
The ability to give of oneself, leading change for the benefit of the orphans and the widows and the success of the organization are a great privilege.
CEO
Director of Organizational Development
Secretary
Accounting Manager
Project Manager
Project Manager
Otzma Project Director
Resource Development Associate
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Manager
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