350 bereaved teens visit US through an FIDF ‘Legacy’

The FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces) brought 240 bereaved Israeli teens to the United States this summer through its signature Legacy Program, marking the 20th year of the program and its largest summer to date. Each participant lost a parent or sibling in defense of Israel on or since Oct. 7, 2023.

During the last three months, five groups traveled throughout the Northeast, combining recreational and educational experiences with opportunities to connect with FIDF supporters, host families and Jewish communities. The program gives participants time away from their daily environment, exposure to new places and cultures, and the opportunity to spend time with peers who have experienced similar loss.

The groups visited New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Westchester and Massachusetts, with itineraries that included Central Park, Times Square, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Little Island, Coney Island, Hersheypark, Six Flags Great Adventure, American Dream Mall, Nickelodeon Theme Park, Jewish summer camps and Yankees game in the Bronx.

Participants biked, kayaked, played water sports, bowled, rode speedboats, played team sports and took part in other activities. Some groups spent time at summer camps in Pennsylvania, participating in hiking, waterfront activities, high ropes, arts and crafts, paintball and evening campfires.

A key component of each trip was engaging with American Jewish communities. FIDF supporters and host families hosted groups for BBQs, meals, Shabbat and other special activities, creating opportunities for personal connections between the teens and community members across the United States.

An IDF social worker accompanied each group, providing professional support and helping participants process their experiences throughout the trip. The groups were also led by counselors who are currently serving as active-duty soldiers in the IDF and who themselves had lost a loved one. Many of them participated in the Legacy Program as teens.

“What makes Legacy so special is that we get to take these children out of their everyday reality for a little while,” said FIDF Legacy Program Project Manager Tamar Reshef. “They get to see new places, meet new people and just have fun. But what stays with me most is seeing them reconnect with themselves.

“They remember who they were before the loss that changed their lives and, for a little while, they get to remember that they are still young and that there is still so much possibility and joy ahead of them.”

“After everything these children have endured, giving them the opportunity to laugh, explore, make friends and experience the love of the American Jewish community is incredibly meaningful,” said FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan. “Legacy reminds them that although they have experienced profound loss, they are not alone. The connection between Israel and Jewish communities across America is a source of strength they will carry with them long after they return home.”

The Legacy Program is a cornerstone of FIDF’s support for Israel’s bereaved military families. Through Legacy and its broader bereavement programs, FIDF provides financial assistance, educational opportunities, mental health services and personal support to help families navigate life after experiencing the loss of a close relative in the defense of the Jewish State.

FIDF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting the brave men and women of the IDF who risk everything to protect the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

While the mission of the IDF’s heroes is to look after Israel, defending its people, borders and freedom, FIDF’s mission is to look after them. FIDF provides life-changing support through education, financial aid, bereavement programs, mental health services and more, ensuring that every soldier, veteran and bereaved family knows they are not alone. Through global partnerships and unwavering commitment, FIDF (www.fidf.org) stands as a pillar of strength for those who sacrifice so much in service to the Jewish homeland.

Reported by FIDF.