IDFWO

New law expands rights for IDF widows & orphans

After years of advocacy, new legislation broadens recognition, financial support, and rehabilitation frameworks for widows, orphans, and families of fallen soldiers.

Shlomi Nahumson, CEO of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization
 Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son, Hersh, was murdered in Hamas captivity in Gaza, attends a demonstration in Jerusalem earlier this month.

Even as living hostages are home: What we owe those who died for them - opinion

Yossi Cohen

Through Grief and Hope: Why Israel’s Widows and Orphans Must Never Stand Alone

Max August and IDFWO CEO Shomi Nahumson at the IDFWO 2025 Academic Scholarship Event in Tel Aviv.

Pairing with A Lifeline of Giving: Max August Stands with Israel’s Widows and Orphans


Born into tragedy: A war widow’s unimaginable journey of loss, survival, and hope

Ela Chaimi from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, symbolizes the cost of conflict and the strength required to rebuild after unimaginable loss.

 Ela Chaimi and her four children at the Otzma Summer camp in Paphos, August 2024. Credit:

Shlomi Nahumson and Tami Shelach: Leading the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization

IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is the only Israeli organization that supports IDF widows and veterans. “The families continue to live with their loss, and we need to remember and support them".

 Tami Shelach and Shlomi Nahumson, December 2023.

President Herzog opens emotional widows and orphans magazine with letter

 President Herzog

IDF, Shin Bet arrest 45 in two-day West Bank counterterror operations

Operations took place in Jenin, Tulkarm, Nur al-Shams, and Qalandiya, focusing on apprehending wanted individuals and preventing terror activity.

 IDF soldiers conduct counter-terrorism operations in Tulkarm, West Bank.

Shira Grinberg’s journey of loss, resilience, and hope

"There’s no need to fear time. The loss is there, but life goes on”: Shira shares her story a decade after Operation Protective Edge.

 SHIRA GRINBERG and her beloved father, Amotz.

Grapevine, August 23, 2024: Mixed emotions

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 US President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts onstage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 19, 2024.

IDFWO’s mission: No Israeli widow or orphan ever stands alone

Tami Shelach stands by the families of those who paid the highest price – three decades later, her work isn’t done.

 TAMI SHELACH (L) with widow Yael Weisman.