Israeli children who lost a security-force parent join three-week US cultural tour

Twenty-eight Israeli youths who lost a parent serving in the security forces traveled across the United States for a three-week program organized by the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization.

A group of twenty-eight Israeli children who have lost a parent serving in the country's security forces took part in a three-week North-American delegation organized by the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization. Their journey started in Chicago with host-family stays, moved to Camp Chi in Wisconsin for a week of joint activities with U.S. children, and continued to New York City where they toured Times Square and attended The Lion King on Broadway before finishing in New Jersey.

Daniel Elbaum, executive director of the organization, explained that each element of the trip is chosen to strengthen Jewish identity, foster pride in Israel, and provide a meaningful experience for the youths. Among the travelers was 11½-year-old Tal Goldstein-Almog, a former hostage from the Oct. 7 attacks whose father and sister were killed, and Shadan Knefiss, a Druze participant who now mentors newer members. The program, which supports over 18,000 widows, widowers and children, aims to connect Israeli participants with diverse American Jews and help them build a sense of normalcy and community.