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On October 31, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), the sole organization designated by the IDF to collect donations in the United States to benefit Israel’s soldiers, today announced that it has raised close to $60 million in an emergency campaign launched on October 7 in response to the most horrific attack in Israel’s 75-year history, when 1,400+ innocent Israelis were massacred by the Hamas terrorist organization.

FIDF is in daily communication with the IDF and responds to their direct requests immediately, transferring funds to fulfill these urgent requests within 24 to 48 hours. One hundred percent of the funds the organization raises for this emergency campaign are going straight to meet soldier needs as directed by the IDF. FIDF is funding the majority of support that IDF soldiers are receiving, distributed across the entire military, to reach more soldiers than any other organization.

 More than $34.5 million of the $60 million has already been transferred to the IDF since October 7 for direct requests from the IDF for humanitarian supplies to benefit the hundreds of thousands of IDF soldiers, and 360,000 reservists called to the front lines.

 Funds from FIDF’s emergency fundraising campaign have covered the vast array of needs of IDF soldiers as they fight to protect their homeland and bring hostages back to safety. Items funded by FIDF to date include plasma for 1,700 soldiers; emergency medical equipment; 70 operational ambulances; genetic DNA analyzers, go-pro cameras for search and rescue teams, hygiene kits for more than 21,500 soldiers; clothing and towels for more than 18,500 soldiers; snack packages for more than 21,500 soldiers; refurbishment of hospital waiting areas for wounded soldiers; visiting reserves gathering areas; gift packages for 800 wounded soldiers during hospital visits; gift packages for 400 fallen soldiers’ families during shiva visits; food for 20 families in financial need for the duration of their shiva; gazebo/canopy tents; blood and fluid warmers; direct support for all FIDF adopted Brigades; tzitziot for soldiers; olive green-dryfit; refurbishment of hospital waiting areas for families of wounded soldiers; personal wellbeing kits for more than 60,000 combat soldiers; shaded rest tables; respite and refreshment break cycles for combat units.

In addition to the tangible support mentioned above, FIDF’s team members in Israel, along with volunteers, are providing comfort to soldiers and bereaved families. Staff members have attended 320 funerals and shivas to date.

 “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received within days of the war’s eruption, enabling us to swiftly address the most critical needs of the IDF over the last 3+ weeks,” said Steve Weil, CEO of FIDF. “Our unwavering commitment stands firm, and our dedication remains resolute: we will stand by the soldiers of the IDF who courageously put their lives on the line to reinstate security, safety, and peace in Israel, and we are dedicated to meeting every humanitarian need through the duration of the war.”

FIDF’s initial fundraising goal for the emergency campaign was $50 million, but the IDF’s requests to FIDF for its soldiers’ needs have proven to be far greater than anticipated and the organization expects that $100-$150 million will be necessary to meet the evolving and fast-growing needs of the IDF throughout the war.

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C) (3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of the young men and women of the IDF who protect Israel and Jews worldwide through empowering educational, financial, well-being and cultural initiatives. With 25 chapters throughout the United States, FIDF proudly supports soldiers before, during, and after their service, as well as families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans, reinforcing the vital bond between the communities in the United States and the soldiers of the IDF. For more information, visit: www.fidf.org