Mar 27, 2024

Supporting the Daily Needs of Israeli Reservists’ Families

As thousands of IDF reservists continue to report for duty, nonprofit HaOgen has deployed thousands of women volunteers to provide hands-on help for families separated by the war. HaOgen, which means "the anchor," was founded by female activists immediately after October 7 to help women and men whose spouses have been drafted as they try to juggle work, childcare and home life, all without a partner. The organization, supported through the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund — for which Federation has raised nearly $30 million — has already assisted more than 12,000 families in 250 localities. As the war approaches its sixth month, the challenges faced by the families of reserve soldiers are only increasing. By receiving assistance from HaOgen with seemingly mundane daily tasks, reservists’ families feel supported during this stressful time and that they are not completely on their own. From homemade Shabbat meals and dog walking to arts and crafts time with the kids, HaOgen's work is truly remarkable, as you can see in this short video.