Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
The strength of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has been guarding the State of Israel since it declared independence in 1948, derives from the selfless determination and great capabilities of the young men and women who form it.
At the age of 18, these courageous young people join the IDF, promising to uphold the difficult tasks of defending the State of Israel and guaranteeing the safety of those who reside within its borders. The responsibility of the Israeli government is to prepare and train these soldiers and provide them with the necessary tools. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has assumed the responsibility of providing these soldiers with love and support in an effort to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide.
In 1981, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces was created as a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing and supporting social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. It also offers these services to the families of fallen soldiers.
FIDF operates through 15 branches around the United States and Latin America, located close to large Jewish communities. Thanks to an expanding donor base and exceptional generosity, FIDF has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years.
FIDF proudly offers its support to soldiers and their families through a variety of unique and innovative programs. Providing financial aid to soldiers in need, granting academic scholarships to former combat soldiers, helping bereaved families, and sponsoring fun days for combat battalions are just some of our endeavors. Thanks to a low overhead, we ensure the needs of the soldiers are provided in the best possible way. Through FIDF missions to Israel, donors are able to visit bases, meet with soldiers, and tour the country. These opportunities reinforce the significant bond between the Jewish community in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel.
