(Courtesy of FIDF) Following the devastating massacres of October 7 and the war with Hamas these past seven months, which has claimed the lives of over 600 IDF soldiers, Friends of the IDF (FIDF) has brought the sacred Yom HaZikaron experience, Israel’s Day of Remembrance, to Americans across the nation, enabling them to stand together and with Israel in solidarity. This endeavor provided a meaningful opportunity for individuals to honor the legacies of the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for the State of Israel and democracy worldwide.

To honor the memories of the fallen soldiers, underscore the shocking number of soldiers killed, and offer support to their families, FIDF documented the biographies of every fallen soldier since the war began and shared them at fidf.org/hallofcourage. Web page visitors can participate in an interactive journey to read about the lives lost and symbolically light virtual candles in their honor. Finally, they are encouraged to submit heartfelt, personalized condolences to the loved ones left behind through letters that will be printed and hand delivered to them.

Further, FIDF sponsored Yom HaZikaron events in Jewish communities throughout the country where tens of thousands will learn about the fallen, detailed through their documented biographies and through installations displaying the photos and names of the more than 600 fallen soldiers this year. Additionally, videos and translated letters penned by fallen soldiers to their families, in anticipation of not returning from battle, will be prominently showcased at these events, together with the opportunity to write letters to bereaved families.

As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers. Tens of millions of dollars have been transferred to the IDF to meet critical needs for its soldiers following the Oct. 7 terror attacks.