The organization holds activities throughout the year; represents the widows and orphans in front of the government and the general public; and provides emotional, social, financial support, or any other necessary support.
The Otzma Camps are for orphans from ages 6-18 and are held during the festival breaks on Sukkot, Chanukah, and Passover, as well as during the summer vacation.
Otzma Plus is the general name for our community of orphans in the 19-29 year age bracket. This age group of orphans has needs that are different to the younger orphans, and they therefore require different services.
IDFWO Organization provides medical grants to widows and adult orphans who require specialized healthcare. A considerable portion of the organization's annual budget is allocated to individuals who face such difficulties and have no one else to turn to for help.
Joining the IDF is a special moment for all Israelis, but holds particular significance for IDF orphans and their families. To show support for our orphans, we provide them with a special heavy-duty backpack with essential supplies they will need during their service.
Every year, theTHE IDFWO Organization presents members with a gift for their birthday. The gift is delivered by mail to their most recent address as it appears in the organization’s database.
The bar and bat mitzvah delegation lets the orphans meet members of their peer group and become part of an actual community that will accompany and support them throughout their lives.
Each year, the organization offers its members an array of excellent enrichment courses, which are subsidized by more than half their cost.
We continue our tradition of delivering a Rosh Hashanah gift for the home of each widow and adult orphan.
There is no doubt that the start of first grade is one of these milestones, and every year we are proud to present IDF orphans with a generous gift basket brimming with school stationery, notebooks, and other goodies, as well as a school bag.
Otzma is the official mouthpiece of the IDFWO Organization, which is published and delivered quarterly to all members and partners in the organization.
Annual Day Trip – once a year IDFWO Organization holds a day trip for members. The goal of this rejuvenating day trip is to bring together our members from across the country for an enjoyable and meaningful bonding experience. Various artists perform during this trip and strategic partners, such as officers of fallen soldiers, senior officials from the defense establishment, and social workers.
In honor of the children’s bar and bat mitzvah, the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization holds an exciting and moving celebration annually.
Retreat for widows and orphans of the IDF and security forces - Together in Israel and around the world
This program is a joint initiative of the IDFWO Organization and the Department of Families and Commemoration at the Ministry of Defense. The program was established with the aim of leveraging opportunities for the orphans to enable their growth and progress by the cultivating and nurturing their talents and skills. The project includes the formation of a think tank, which, with the cooperation of the families involved, helps explore strengths, interests, and future dreams - precisely those areas where the children need a little push and encouragement.
As part of the organization’s year-round activities, regional activities are held all around the country for widows and adult orphans. Currently, there are 15 regional activity centers throughout the country!
Just as at any significant juncture in life, we take it upon ourselves at the organization to support the widows and orphans at this important time, by way of awarding study scholarships for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and presenting a wedding gift to newly married couples.
The IDFWO’s Booklet of Longing is, as its name implies, a compilation of poems, stories, and reflections that convey longing for a husband or father, a wife or mother, who left on a mission and never returned.
Annual retreat in Israel - Enjoying the power of community together The annual retreat is for consolidating and strengthening the adult orphan community, and creating shared experiences as a group of equals.
The Sail Program makes the most of the sea, sailing, the benefits of group travel, and professional knowledge to aid the group and individuals, and to produce a life-changing journey.
