Israel’s reality is intertwined with war and loss, but the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO) ensures that families of fallen heroes are not alone. Tami Shelach, the chairwoman, leads with a personal understanding of loss, having lost her husband in the Yom Kippur War. Despite her grief, Shelach remarried, raised pilot children, and now advocates for bereaved families.
The IDFWO, in existence since 1991, provides social, emotional, and financial support, ensuring families are cared for. Shelach’s dedication, from volunteer to leader, emphasizes the importance of peer support programs. The organization faces challenges post-war, as new widows and orphans seek assistance. They expand resources and offer various programs, such as Otzma camps.
Shelach’s deep compassion for all members, young and old, drives the IDFWO’s mission to provide lifelong support and advocate for legislative changes. They strive to ensure every family feels supported, understood, and never alone in their grief.
This article was written in collaboration with the IDFWO.