FIDF

‘We're lone soldiers, but we're not lonely’: How the IDF supports fighters without families

“Olim (immigrant) soldiers who come from abroad to Israel do it purely out of a sense of Zionism and because they really want to take part in helping Israel and helping the IDF.”

Staff Sergeant Oren Metzuyanim, a 21-year-old lone soldier at the main rehearsal of the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 19, 2026.
Nefesh B’Nefesh and FIDF together with IDF, host record breaking event with over 4000 Lone Soldiers from 70 countries.

FIDF, Nefesh B'Nefesh hold first Yom Siddurim for lone soldiers in two years

Former hostage Edan Alexander returning to his home in New Jersey, June 19, 2025.

Released hostage Edan Alexander receives Fox's Honor Award, thanks Trump in acceptance speech

Drone being remotely controlled

Israel Katz, IDF chief launch hard-hitting campaign to block drones smuggling weapons from Egypt


Noa Kirel To perform live At first-ever virtual FIDF National Gala

Kirel, an active IDF soldier, recently signed a deal with Atlantic Records, the largest ever for an Israeli artist

The 2019 FIDF National Gala Dinner in NY

FIDF names Steven Weil new CEO

Weil succeeds Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir, who has led FIDF for the previous six years.

Steven Weil, incoming National Director and CEO  of FIDF

Minister Yoaz Hendel runs 5K with incoming lone soldiers

A group of some 80 young men and women will soon enlist as Lone Soldiers, joining 3,500 Lone Soldiers from around the world under the Nefesh B’Nefesh-Friends of the IDF (FIDF) Lone Soldiers Program.

MK Yoaz Hendel runs with incoming lone soldiers

Largest IDF synagogue opened in southern Israel

The inauguration of this new building took place on Tuesday, and was attend by FIDF Executive Director in Israel.

Or Olam Synagogue exterior.

Friends of IDF to conduct virtual Independence and Remembrance Day events

The virtual events are only expected to last one hour, and are part of the FIDF's digital alternatives to community events and galas across diaspora communities.

US and Israeli soldiers together onstage at the 2019 FIDF National Gala in NY

270 FIDF IMPACT! Israeli veterans run in the Tel Aviv Marathon

The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces IMPACT! program, which was founded 18 years ago in 2002, has provided 16,130 veterans $185 million worth of four-year scholarships.

The FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship team of 270 runners at the 2020 Tel Aviv Marathon

State treasurer from Kansas visits IDF troops

Jake LaTurner, Kansas's state treasurer, recently visited the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) Yehuda Regional Brigade base near Jerusalem earlier this month.

Jake LaTurner with IDF troops

FIDF leads delegation of Florida businessmen to IDF base

The visit was hosted by FIDF supporter and philanthropist Alan Ginsburg as part of a mission trip aimed at giving the guests an inside look into the IDF.

Philanthropist Alan Ginsburg of Orlando, Florida (third from the left), with FIDF Executive Director in Israel Brig. Gen. (Res.) Effi Idan (fifth from the left), FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben Ari (sixth from the left), FIDF supporters, and IDF soldiers.

Wounded IDF vets to ride bicycles across Israel with FIDF supporters

The cross-country bike ride will take place November 2-8 and the organization expects more than 50 American participants.

FIDF 4th Annual Ride participants

FIDF New York Gala raises $37 million

The Friends of the IDF event raised donations for various programs for soldiers and veterans.

US and Israeli soldiers together onstage at the 2019 FIDF National Gala in NY