In Israel, we have a "Club" with "Club Members". It is not a club that you want to belong to, and yet membership this past month has spiked dramatically, with over 100 new families, and climbing. It is the "Club" of the widows and orphans of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up on their lives so that we can continue to live ours. This special group of people is known as the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO).

IDFWO was officially established in 1991, but it has truly been around since the establishment of the State of Israel. Until the outbreak of the war last month, we were already servicing some 8,000 widows and orphans at an annual cost of over 2.5 million dollars. The message conveyed to the widows and orphans in all of our programming and services is that they are not alone and that the Israeli public remembers and respects the inconceivable price they have paid.

With the onset of Israel's latest war, IDFWO has risen to the challenge of dealing with a whole new set of realities. An emergency call center was established where inquiries regarding loved ones could be made, staffed with trained psychologists providing much-needed emotional support.

With these new challenges come great financial needs. 

IDFWO acted swiftly in the early days of the present conflict, assisting with the evacuation and resettling of the Israeli families living in harm's way. Essential vouchers have been distributed allowing families to acquire food and basic hygiene. 

IDFWO is providing urgent aid today as well as preparing to be a source of life-long support. What better way of showing our everlasting appreciation to those who gave up their lives for us to do all that we can to comfort their loved ones in this very difficult time?

I have taken it upon myself at this great time of need to help raise $180,000. What greater "mitzvah" is there than assisting widows and orphans? Please donate generously today.

Rabbi Mordechai Weiss