The State of Israel, unfortunately, knows the terms “widow” and “orphan” all too well. These are families who have lost one of their parents, usually as a result of military service or terrorist acts. Beyond the incomprehensible loss of a loved one, these families face unique and complex challenges.
One of the main challenges is economic. Losing a primary breadwinner in the family can lead to significant difficulties in paying bills, purchasing food and clothing, and financing education for children. Many widows are forced to cope alone with raising children and earning a living, while dealing with deep personal loss.
Beyond the economic difficulties, there is also the need for emotional and psychological support. Children who have lost a parent need help coping with loss, anger, and confusion. Many widows experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The social environment and the community can play an important role in providing emotional support to these families.
Israeli society, despite the challenges it faces, is mobilizing to help widows and orphans in various ways. Many organizations are working to alleviate their distress and provide them with the necessary support.
What Types of Support are Available for Widows and Orphans?
When talking about supporting widows and orphans, it is important to understand that it is not just a matter of money. There is a wide range of needs, and accordingly, a wide range of types of support. Let’s go over some of the main ones:
- Monthly financial support: This is perhaps the most basic and important support. It allows families to meet their ongoing expenses, such as rent, bills, food, and clothing. The monthly amount can vary depending on the family situation and specific needs.
- Scholarships for academic studies and funding for private lessons: Education is key to a better future, so it is important to enable children from bereaved families to acquire higher education. Scholarships and funding for private lessons can help them catch up and succeed in their studies.
- Funding for enrichment activities and after-school programs for children: Children need enrichment activities and after-school programs to develop and acquire new skills. Funding these activities can ease the burden on families and allow children to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible.
- Assistance in financing special events such as weddings and Bar Mitzvahs: Family events are joyful moments, but they can also be expensive. Assistance in financing these events can ease the burden on families and allow them to celebrate with joy.
- Emotional support through psychologists and social workers: The loss of a parent is a difficult trauma, and children and adults alike need emotional support to cope with the loss. Psychologists and social workers can provide this support and help families process the loss and find ways to cope with the pain.
- Organizing fun days and short vacations: Sometimes, all that is needed is a little respite from the difficult routine. Organizing fun days and short vacations can provide families with an opportunity to relax, enjoy themselves, and gather renewed strength.
It is important to remember that each family is unique, and therefore its needs are different. Support should be tailored to the specific needs of each family.
How do Organizations Like ‘Yashar LaChayal’ and ‘Ezer Binyamin’ Help Bereaved Families?
In Israel, there are many organizations that dedicate themselves to helping bereaved families, and especially widows and orphans. Two of the most prominent are “Yashar LaChayal” (Straight to the Soldier) and “Ezer Binyamin” (Benjamin’s Aid). They offer a wide range of services and programs aimed at alleviating the economic, emotional, and social difficulties that these families face.
“Yashar LaChayal,” for example, operates the “Fund for Bereaved Families.” This fund provides monthly financial support to families, scholarships for studies, funding for after-school programs and private lessons for children, and assistance in financing special events such as weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. They even help finance psychological treatments, because they understand that the emotional scars of loss are deep and require treatment.
“Ezer Binyamin” focuses mainly on the welfare of orphans and widows. They distribute food baskets and purchase vouchers to needy families, with the aim of ensuring that everyone has something to eat. In addition, they organize special activities on holidays and vacations, to make the children happy and allow them to experience some joy and happiness, despite everything. Their volunteers take care to provide personal attention and emotional support to families, and refer them to a professional team when needed.
These organizations operate in the field, actually meet the families, listen to their needs, and try to provide an immediate and personal response. They understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that support should be tailored to the specific situation of each family.
One of the important things that these organizations do is create a community. They organize meetings and activities where families can meet, share experiences, and support each other. This gives them a feeling that they are not alone in the battle, that there are other people who understand them and can help.
If you want to donate or volunteer in one of these organizations, or just get more information, you can go to the website of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization. They are always happy to receive help and support.
What is the Support Center of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization and How Can it Help?
The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization understands the need for immediate and accessible support for bereaved families, especially in difficult times. Therefore, they have established a telephone support center designed to provide an emotional and practical response to every inquiry.
This center is like a hotline, which operates from 08:00-20:00. You can call it and receive a listening ear, advice, and support on any issue that bothers you. This could be a financial difficulty, an emotional problem, or just a need to talk to someone who understands what you are going through.
The great advantage of this center is that it is accessible and available. You do not need to make an appointment or wait in line, just pick up the phone and get an immediate response. The people at the center are experienced professionals who know the needs of bereaved families and know how to help.
The center not only provides emotional support, but also helps in solving practical problems. They can advise on rights, refer to relevant parties, and assist in realizing rights. They also represent widows and orphans before official bodies, such as government ministries and public institutions, and can assist in all bureaucratic procedures.
In short, the support center of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is a place where you can turn to at any time and receive help and support. It is an important and valuable resource for bereaved families, which can help them cope with the difficulties and find the strength to move on. They are there to listen, advise, and assist in any way possible.
