FIDF Sends 15 Children and Siblings of Fallen Israeli Soldiers to Maryland-area Summer Camp

Photo Credits: rlstevensphotography.

BALTIMORE – Fifteen children and siblings of fallen Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers visited the U.S. last month as part of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) LEGACY program to attend a two-week recreation camp
At Capital Camps just outside of Maryland, the Israeli teens – all of whom have lost a family member who was serving in Israel’s military – bonded with each other and spent two weeks camping with American peers, forming lifelong friendships. The Israeli children participated in American camp activities – swimming, archery, rock climbing, and arts and crafts – and in more familiar traditions like Israeli dancing and Jewish learning.

Four counselors who had experienced similar tragedies and two active-duty commanders from the IDF Casualty and Wounded Department accompanied the children to help provide comfort and guidance. As part of the LEGACY experience, FIDF supporters hosted the Israeli teens at their Maryland-area homes following the camp.

“The FIDF LEGACY program embraces these children whose families have suffered such immense loss,” said Bill Fox, president of the FIDF Mid-Atlantic Region and a national board member, who, along with his wife, Myra Fox, hosted a special dinner for the 15 children and soldiers – and more than 50 others from the community – on Sunday at his Maryland home. “We wanted to show them how much we appreciate the sacrifices their families have made – and that FIDF is here to support them through their tremendous loss. What better way is there to help them heal than by bringing these incredible kids here to make lifelong friends and share in the uniquely American experience of summer camp?”

The FIDF LEGACY program supports thousands of widows, orphans, siblings, and other family members of fallen IDF soldiers through a variety of recreational activities, financial support, and life-cycle celebrations.

Photo Captions
Photo #1: FIDF Washington Chapter Chairman Robert Burman (right) and his family visit with the group of LEGACY teens.
Photo #2: Two Israeli teens share their personal stories with FIDF and Capital Camps supporters.
Photo #3: FIDF National Board Member and Mid-Atlantic Region Chairman Bill Fox and his wife Myra Fox, with soldiers and LEGACY teens at Capital Camps.
Photo #4: The LEGACY group of Israeli teens at a Balitmore Orioles game on July 24.