IsraelFriends.us

Two Years of Life-Saving Impact As we mark two years since October 7, Israel Friends reflects on 746+ days of courage, innovation, and relentless action. From the frontlines to recovery centers, your support has fueled life-saving aid, advanced technology, and trauma care for those who defend and rebuild Israel every day. Our 2-Year Impact Report tells the story of what we have built together — lives protected, families healed, and a nation made stronger through resilience and unity. Check our Linktree for the full report. Link in the comments.

What does it take to make mental health care accessible when it’s needed most? We sat down with Adiel Levin of Healthy Mind to discuss the growing need for trauma care in Israel and how technology is helping connect people with the support they deserve. 🎙️ A new conversation on the United Front Podcast: israelfriends.info/unitedfro… מה נדרש כדי להנגיש טיפול נפשי דווקא ברגעים שבהם הוא נחוץ יותר מתמיד? ישבנו לשיחה עם אדיאל לוין מ־Healthy Mind על הצורך ההולך וגובר בטיפול בטראומה בישראל, ועל האופן שבו הטכנולוגיה מסייעת לחבר בין אנשים לבין התמיכה והטיפול שהם זקוקים להם. 🎙️ פרק חדש בפודקאסט חזית משותפת: israelfriends.info/unitedfro…

Israel’s future is shaped by the people taking action today. Join Israel Friends on November 11 for Bridge the Ocean: A Live Symposium, hosted by Matthew Levin, National Director of Israel Friends. Connect with Friends of Israel worldwide for a meaningful conversation about the people, programs, and initiatives strengthening Israel’s security and protecting its communities. Wednesday, November 11, 2026 4–6 PM EST | 3–5 PM CST | 1–3 PM PST RSVP: israelfriends.info/symposium Be part of the conversation. Be part of the impact.

When we began to understand the scale of the PTSD crisis Israel would face, we knew there was a need to act before the crisis grew even bigger. That understanding became the starting point for Matanya Farm. Through the determination of Sendi Ben Zaken, the partnership of Israel Friends, and the support of an incredible community, a vision became a reality. Today, Matanya Farm offers a unique approach to rehabilitation, combining clinical treatment with nature and animal-assisted therapies. What began with a focus on combat veterans living with PTSD has grown into a place of healing for underserved communities, too, creating new opportunities for people to receive care in an environment that feels different from a traditional clinical setting. 💚 We are incredibly proud to see Sendi recognized at the Heroes of the Year ceremony, honoring individuals making a meaningful social impact across Northern Israel. His recognition reflects three years of hard work, commitment, and collaboration to build something that meets a real need in Israeli society. Matanya Farm is proof of what can happen when people recognize a need and come together to do something about it. Learn more: israelfriends.us/matanyafarm

Two lives taken. Two families forever changed. We mourn Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, who were killed during a terrorist shooting attack at the Judea Junction near Hebron on Friday, October 23. According to the IDF, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a military checkpoint. Soldiers engaged the attackers in a gunfight lasting approximately 20 minutes, killing both. Three additional soldiers were wounded. The military said the soldiers’ actions prevented the attackers from reaching civilians. 🕯️ Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, from Ashkelon, served as a squad commander. 🕯️ Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, from Hod Hasharon, served as a combat soldier. Both served in the Ari Battalion (775), part of the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade. Behind their uniforms were sons, friends, and futures that should have stretched far beyond this day. We hold their families, loved ones, and fellow soldiers in our hearts and wish a full recovery to those wounded. May Ron and Yuval’s memories be a blessing. 🕯️

Bridge the Ocean: A Live Symposium Join Israel Friends on November 11 for a special live event bringing together Friends of Israel from across the world for an important conversation about Israel, community, security, and resilience. Hosted by Matt Levin, National Director of Israel Friends, this symposium will highlight the people, programs, and initiatives making a direct impact on the ground in Israel and helping build a safer future. 📅 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 🕓 4–6 PM EST | 3–5 PM CST | 1–3 PM PST 🔗 RSVP: israelfriends.info/symposium Together, we can strengthen and protect Israeli communities through innovative security initiatives, mental health support, and humanitarian programs. #IsraelFriends #BridgeTheOcean #Israel #Community #Resilience

🎙️ BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING ON THE GROUND IN ISRAEL! 🇮🇱 We’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at United Front, a new podcast series from Israel Friends, hosted by our CEO, Kyle Blank! We’re on the ground in Israel, sitting down with the incredible people behind our work — from our program partners and professionals to the volunteers and communities making a difference every day. Through real stories and honest conversations, we’re going beyond the headlines to explore the challenges facing Israel, the people stepping up to meet them, and the partnerships turning urgent needs into meaningful action. This is about the people, the purpose, and the power of coming together to make an impact. 🎧 Stay tuned for episodes coming soon! Listen in on Spotify or 102TLV: israelfriends.info/unitedfro… 🌐 Learn more about our work: israelfriends.us #IsraelFriends #UnitedFront #Israel #BehindTheScenes #StoriesThatMatter

🕯️ In Loving Memory of Capt. Eliav Chaim Tzfalmus, 21 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion | 7th Armored Brigade The IDF has announced the loss of Captain Eliav Chaim Tzfalmus, 21, from Haifa, who tragically lost his life during an operational accident in southern Lebanon on October 8, 2026. Capt. Tzfalmus was serving with the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion when a military vehicle overturned during operational activity near the Litani River. Three fellow soldiers sustained minor injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. At just 21 years old, Eliav had dedicated himself to serving his country and protecting his people. Today, we honor his service, remember his sacrifice, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. May the three wounded soldiers make a full and speedy recovery. 🇮🇱 May his memory forever be a blessing.

Today is DAF Day. If you have a donor-advised fund, today is an opportunity to put the charitable dollars you’ve already set aside to work for Israel. Your grant can help support the people and communities working to protect, heal, recover, and rebuild. You’ve already made the decision to give. Today, decide where that impact goes. israelfriends.info/dafday #DAFDay #IsraelFriends

Three years after October 7, we took our questions to the streets of Israel. We asked people what they wish the world understood about October 7, what gives them hope today, and what they would say to those around the world who continue to stand with Israel. Different backgrounds. Different perspectives. One place forever changed by that day. These are their voices, in their own words. 🇮🇱 What would you want the world to know? #October7 #Israel #AmYisraelChai #StandWithIsrael #VoicesOfIsrael #IsraelFriends

“We remember those who are no longer here while refusing to abandon those who are.” Three years later, the weight of October 7 is still felt deeply. We remember the lives taken. The families forever changed. The communities that carry memories of loved ones who should still be here. To remember is to carry a responsibility. A responsibility to those who are still here. To the communities rebuilding. To the people carrying trauma. To the families still waiting, grieving, and healing. We believe that remembering must be met with showing up — with listening, with caring, and with doing what we can to help build what comes next. Israel Friends' Executive Director, Kyle Blank, reflects on what it means to remember October 7, honor those we lost, and turn that memory into a commitment to the people and future of Israel. Read “We Are a People of Action" - israelfriends.info/peopleofa… #October7 #WeRemember #October7Memorial #TheirStoriesMatter #NeverForget #IsraelFriends

Charitable dollars can become something real. Support for a community. Resources for those protecting others. Mental health and recovery services. Tools that help Israelis rebuild and move forward. This DAF Day, turn the funds you’ve already set aside into meaningful impact for Israel. israelfriends.info/dafday #DAFDay #IsraelFriends

What Is a DAF? A DAF, or donor-advised fund, is a charitable giving account that allows you to set aside funds for philanthropy and recommend grants to eligible nonprofit organizations over time. If you already have a DAF, those funds are there waiting to be put to work. This DAF Day, consider making Israel part of your giving. Learn more: israelfriends.info/dafday #DAFDay #IsraelFriends

Your DAF Can Do More for Israel If you have a donor-advised fund, you already have charitable dollars set aside and ready to make an impact. This DAF Day, consider putting those funds to work for the people and communities of Israel. Your grant can help support protection, recovery, mental health, and long-term resilience. Learn more or recommend a grant: israelfriends.info/dafday #DAFDay #IsraelFriends

As we celebrate Simchat Torah, we mark a powerful tradition that has carried our people through generations: as we complete the reading of the Torah, we immediately begin again. There is something deeply meaningful in that moment—a reminder that even after an ending, there is always a new beginning. That our story continues. That generation after generation, we carry forward the traditions, values, and hopes that connect us to those who came before us and to those who will come after. Today, we celebrate not only our history, but the resilience of our people and the future we continue to build together. May we continue to move forward with strength, unity, and hope for brighter days ahead. חג שמח ושמחת תורה שמח 🤍

Today is the LAST DAY for Early Bird tickets! Join us in Dallas for Courage in the Face of Hate: An Evening of Truth and Action on Sunday, December 13. Hear from featured speakers including Mosab Hassan Yousef, Dr. David Patterson, and Professor Ben Voth for an evening focused on antisemitism, education, and action. 🎟️ Students attend FREE ⏰ Early Bird pricing ends September 30 Register: [israelfriends.info/courage] #IsraelFriends #Dallas #Antisemitism #StandAgainstHate

Supporting mental health in Israel starts with making care accessible. 💚🇮🇱 From trauma care and psychiatric support to programs serving soldiers, first responders, and communities across Israel, your support helps provide critical care when it’s needed most. 24 hours left to bid in our High Holiday Auction. Own a piece of Israeli history while supporting critical programs across Israel. israelfriends.info/auction

Our High Holiday Auction has been extended! 🇮🇱 Explore a remarkable collection of historic Israeli artifacts, meaningful memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind pieces — all while supporting Israel Friends’ work across Israel. ⏳ Auction closes: September 30 at 12:00 AM ET Every bid helps us continue supporting Israel and its people where the need is greatest. 🔗 israelfriends.info/auction #IsraelFriends #HighHolidayAuction #SupportIsrael #AmYisraelChai #Israel #CharityAuction

This past weekend, Israel lost two more heroes. Master Sergeant (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Master Sergeant (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, both serving in the 7007th Battalion, 16th Brigade, fell in combat in the Gaza Strip. Nadav and Ofek were stationed at a military post near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza when an accidental drone explosion claimed both of their lives. We stand with their families, friends, and fellow soldiers during this painful time, sending strength and prayers as they grieve this devastating loss. May the memories of Nadav and Ofek be a blessing, and may their loved ones know that they are not alone.

As we celebrate Sukkot, we are reminded of the enduring traditions that have brought our people together for generations. We gather under the sukkah—a symbol of both fragility and strength—and are reminded that even when the world around us feels uncertain, there is comfort in community and strength in standing together. This holiday invites us to open our doors, gather with those we love, and appreciate the blessings that surround us. May this Sukkot bring moments of joy, meaningful connection, and hope for the future we continue to build together. From our Israel Friends family to yours, חג סוכות שמח 💙

For Israelis, terrorism is not an abstract threat. It is a reality families continue to face on roads, at checkpoints, at bus stops, and in their communities. On Wednesday, IDF reservist Neria Leiter, son of Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, was critically wounded in a car-ramming attack near the Maccabim checkpoint. After undergoing hours of complex brain surgery, he remains in very serious condition, with his life still in danger. Since October 7, Neria has served hundreds of days in the reserves on multiple fronts. His family has already endured unimaginable loss. His older brother, Maj. Moshe Leiter, was killed fighting in Gaza in 2023. And this attack comes only days after Netanel Shukrun, a father of six, was murdered in a shooting attack while visiting a natural spring with his son ahead of Yom Kippur. Vehicle-ramming, shooting, stabbing and other attacks remain a recurring security threat in Judea and Samaria, Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel. Behind every headline is a person, a family, and a community whose lives can change in seconds. Today, we join Israelis around the world in praying for Neria’s recovery. Neria Dov ben Chana. May he know healing, strength, and life.