Friends of the IDF Sends 25 Children and Siblings of Fallen Israeli Soldiers to Wisconsin Summer Camp

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisc. – Twenty-five children and siblings of fallen Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers visited Wisconsin last week as part of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) LEGACY program to attend an unforgettable 10-day recreation camp.

As part of the LEGACY experience, FIDF supporters hosted the 25 Israeli teens– all of whom have lost a family member who was serving in Israel’s military – at their suburban Chicago homes before the camp began on July 24.

At JCC Camp Chi in Wisconsin Dells, Wisc., the Israeli teens bonded with each other and spent 10 days 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.

“These brave children – whose parents have made the ultimate sacrifice for Israel and Jews around the world – have been through so much,” said FIDF National Board Member Morris Silverman, who hosted a pool party for the 25 children at his and FIDF supporter Lori Komisar’s Winnetka, Ill., home. Silverman and Komisar have been FIDF LEGACY hosts for the past eight years.

“We wanted to show them how grateful we and FIDF are for the sacrifices they and their families have made,” Komisar added. “Bringing these incredible kids here to make lifelong friends, meet the community, and share in the uniquely American experience of summer camp is a wonderful way to help them heal from their tremendous loss.”

Seven counselors, who all experienced similar tragedies and also served in the IDF, accompanied the children to help provide comfort and guidance. Some of the counselors have benefitted from the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program, which grants full four-year academic scholarships to IDF combat veterans of modest means.

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 #1: FIDF LEGACY campers at JCC Camp Chi last week (Photo credit: Courtesy of JCC Camp Chi).
Photo #2: An FIDF LEGACY camper rock climbing at JCC Camp Chi (Photo credit: Courtesy of JCC Camp Chi).

Photo #3: The LEGACY campers enjoyed a pool party at the Winnetka home of FIDF supporter and host Lori Komisar and FIDF National Board Member Morris Silverman on July 20 (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

Photo #4: The LEGACY campers enjoyed a pool party at the Winnetka home of FIDF supporter and host Lori Komisar and FIDF National Board Member Morris Silverman on July 20 (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

Photo #5: FIDF supporter and LEGACY host Lori Komisar (center) with some of the 25 children and siblings of fallen Israeli soldiers at her Winnetka home on July 20 (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

Photo #6: The group of 25 LEGACY campers, seven counselors, and supporters and hosts from the Chicago community (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

Photo #7: FIDF LEGACY hosts Jake (left), Stuart (second from left), Sarah (fourth from left), and Jenna Miller (seventh from left) and FIDF supporter Larry Garland (right) with five of the LEGACY campers (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

Photo #8: (From left, front) FIDF Women’s Brigade Members Dana Spiwak, Julie Moss, Jenny Fisher, four LEGACY campers, and Stacy Chernett; (from left, back) FIDF Women’s Brigade Members Nancy Taxman and Karen Lothan (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).