Mar 5, 2026

Federation’s Israel Representative Ofer Lichtig Acts as Our Living Bridge

“The effectiveness of Federation support in the current war in Israel is actually a product of October 7,” noted Federation’s Representative in Israel Ofer Lichtig. Since then, a sizable portion of Federation funding has been allocated to our partners managing post-trauma mental health for IDF soldiers and family members. Lichtig cited our work with Bshvil Hamachar (Path for Tomorrow), which provided soldiers who fought in Gaza with therapeutic care through nature retreats. When this war began, 100,000 IDF soldiers were deployed. “Those are the same people we helped treat,” said Lichtig, “and they’re up to the task because of it.” Lichtig’s work doesn’t stop, even as missiles fly overhead — in fact, these thoughts were interrupted by a trip to the bomb shelter. When the sirens ended, he returned, concluding, “Our partners know Federation’s commitment is real. They know they’re not alone.”