Being Seen Matters

Supporting IDF Soldiers This Holiday Season

by KR

0 Comments | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 under Holidays for IDF Soldiers

I recently sat down to talk with Ori, an IDF commander who visited our office. Ori is one of the mefakdim (officers) we are in touch with, who help us distribute holiday food vouchers to soldiers in need throughout the country, via B’ezri’s IDF Holiday Campaign. I spoke with Ori for about half an hour, discussing the war, where (and for how long) our relatives have been serving, the soldiers’ dedication, their hard work, the incredible difference they’re making on what has been (and continues to be) an impossibly difficult situation. 

Stories of IDF Soldiers and Their Families

As our conversation turned to B'ezri's IDF Holiday Campaign, Ori recounted the struggles of various soldiers in his unit who are going through hard times. Unfortunately we’re familiar with these kinds of stories, too (sadly there is no shortage); soldiers who come from different walks of life and are facing diverse sets of challenges. 

Yosef Chaim T. is one. After he was gravely injured in the war, his leg was amputated, and he faces ongoing neurological challenges. With 11 siblings at home, his mother unemployed and his father’s farming income slashed following October 7, the family is struggling to pay for basics, let alone adaptations to make their house handicap accessible and to meet everyone’s emotional therapy needs.

Binyamin F. was injured in the war too, and underwent extensive rehab for months. The army paid him a salary and gave him food coupons during that time but now that he will be going home, he doesn't receive an income. He isn’t ready to go back to work. Binyamin's wife just gave birth to their third child and the young family is trying to get back on their feet.

Elchanan E. is a lone soldier, serving without the support system most of his peers rely on. Coming from a broken home, he has no family to turn to for help-no one to make sure he has meals waiting when he is on regilah (break from the army). No one to assist with errands, laundry, or the countless details of everyday life. Beyond the heavy demands of his service, he shoulders all challenges entirely on his own down to the most basic-shopping for food or finding somewhere to go for Shabbat or holidays so he doesn’t have to spend them alone.

Why Being Seen Matters 

The support B’ezri provides for soldiers like these, whether through programs like our Stand With Israel campaign or our IDF Holiday Campaign, is critical- we are able to alleviate some of the financial strain these and so many other soldier families are under. But we know that the support goes well beyond the physical and Ori confirmed that, expressing it perfectly:

"The main thing is, the soldiers there, knowing that someone is seeing them, that someone wants to say they are there to support them, to take part in what they are going through, is very meaningful. Especially after so much time, so many months into this war.

Many people in Israel have been able to continue with their lives, while a share of others haven't-they are still involved, whether they are serving in Gaza or are impacted in other ways by the war.

This is the main feeling my soldiers have-that someone still sees them and very generously and enthusiastically gives this support-it is very meaningful and it gives them so much koach (strength)."

Practical Help with Chizuk for Chayalim

For the holidays, B'ezri is once again providing IDF soldiers with gift cards redeemable at Rami Levy, a leading supermarket chain known for its affordable prices-a lifeline at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.

There’s an especially good feeling knowing that each card allocated represents a message of support that resonates with the soldiers: you are remembered. You are appreciated. Your sacrifices are not invisible.
Our staff has been busy for weeks, preparing to help soldiers like Yosef Chaim, Binyamin, Elchanan, some in Ori’s platoon and thousands of others. The sights and smells of Yom Tov - the holiday meals, children running around the house, tables set with care - are a part of what makes the season meaningful and festive. And for chayalim balancing military service with daily life which can be quite challenging, our support helps bring a little of that joy back home, showing our dedicated soldiers that yes - they are truly seen.

Join B'ezri's IDF Holiday Campaign Today

With your partnership, we can continue to provide relief, encouragement, and tangible help to the soldiers who give so much for Am Yisrael. Your support ensures they know they are not alone-this holiday season, and beyond.

 

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