*** UPDATE ***

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for contributing to Family in Miluim, a book created for children missing their parents who have been away in combat for the past three months. We've printed a total of 19,000 books, distributed over half, with the remainder allocated to specific recipients. Your generous donations allow us to produce enough copies for every household facing prolonged miluim, ensuring access to this comforting book.

The impact has been profound, with numerous heartfelt reactions. Many children have felt a personal connection to the book, even cuddling it at bedtime. Our goal is to provide this book as a gift to every family in need, recognizing the sacrifices made by children whose parents are in miluim.

What's next? Once demand for these books subsides, we will channel the remaining donations towards a second initiative: Recollection. This project, an outgrowth of the events of 7.10, involves collaboration with Daniela, the talented illustrator of Family in Miluim. Through Recollection, we aim to create a space for the ongoing emotions experienced by each of us.

We've received support from caring individuals worldwide, and our conversations with them highlight the role of Family in Miluim in connecting the Diaspora to the reality of events in Israel. To broaden our reach, we've translated the book into English and will soon make it available for sale overseas, with all proceeds dedicated to the Recollection project.

If you'd like to view the Hebrew version of the book, search YouTube for "משפחה במילואים" and listen to my young daughter reading it.

Wishing for better days ahead,

Talya Tomer

אנחנו מוסיפות כאן עדכון, כי המציאות משתנה מדקה לדקה… תודה שבאתם לתרום ל'משפחה במילואים', ספר לילדים שמתגעגעים לאבא או לאמא שכבר שלושה חודשים נמצאים בלחימה וכמעט ולא רואים את הבית. בשלב זה הדפסנו כבר 19,000 עותקים וחילקנו יותר מחצי, וכבר יש כתובת גם לשאר, בעזרת התרומות שלכם נדפיס עוד עותקים ככל שיהיה להם ביקוש בכדי שכל בית שמתמודד המילואים הארוכים של הורה יוכל להיעזר בספר הזה. התגובות לספר מרגשות מאוד, וילדים רבים מרגישים שכתבו את הספר עליהם, והולכים לישון מחובקים איתו בלילות. המטרה היא שכל משפחה שצריכה ספר תקבל אותו במתנה מכולנו, כי הקורבן של הילד שמאפשר לאבא ללכת למילואים ראוי לחיבוק של כולנו! ומה אז? כשנראה שיש רגיעה בביקוש לספרים, אנו נפנה את ייתרת התרומות לRecollection' מיזם נוסף עם קשר ישיר לאירועי ה7.10 שדניאלה, המאיירת המוכשרת של 'משפחה במילואים' ואני עובדות עליו וגם דרכו ננסה לתת מקום לרגשות שעולים אצל כולנו. הרבה מהתרומות שלנו מגיעות מארצות הברית, קנדה ואנגליה, ועוד אנשים אוהבים מרחבי העולם, מהשיחות איתם הבנו שלספר הזה יש גם תפקיד בחיבור התפוצות למציאות הישראלית של מה שקורה כאן. לטובתם תרגמנו את הספר גם לאנגלית והוא ימכר בקרוב, וכל הכנסותיו יוקדשו גם הן למיזם Recollection. אם תרצו לראות את הספר תוכלו לכתוב ביוטוב 'משפחה במילואים' ולשמוע הקראה של הקטנה שלי. שנדע ימים טובים מאלה, טליה תומר After the horrific events in Israel on October 7th, 2023, Talya Tomer, a mother of three, found herself searching for a children's book to help her own kids cope with the absence of their father, who was called to serve in the IDF reserves. To her surprise, she discovered there was nothing out there. With no other option available, she decided to write one herself, and that's how "Family in Reserves" was born.

About the Book: "Family in Reserves", illustrated by Daniella Koffler, is more than just a book; it's a labor of love crafted during the ongoing war. This heartfelt tale was written, illustrated, and printed within days by a group of dear friends who understood the struggles firsthand. Drawing from their own experiences, they added layers of authenticity, rhymed, and edited to make it real. Child psychologists were consulted to ensure it's tone and message.

Why Your Support Matters: Now, we're reaching out to you for a little help. The reserve forces draft in Israel is the largest ever since the founding of the state of Israel, and we want to get "Family in Reserves" to as many families as possible, for free. Your generous contribution will directly fund the printing and distribution of these books, offering comfort and strength to children grappling with the absence of a parent fighting with the IDF during these tumultuous times.

Be a Part of Something Special: By supporting this campaign, you become a part of a movement to make a real difference in the lives of countless Israeli children and families. Let's come together, share some warmth through stories, and help these children navigate the emotional journey when a parent is away. As the book says,

When Dad in uniform had to depart, I thought he'd be back soon, I don’t like being apart.

But days turned into weeks, in the reserves he stays, Dad's a hero, serving in many ways.

I miss our bike rides, wind in my hair, Friday pickups, a family affair.

His scrambled eggs magic, his special treat, I miss Dad's special pancakes, oh, how they're sweet!

Your contribution will ensure that every child facing the absence of a parent can find comfort in the relatable pages of this heartfelt book.