Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a United States-based nonprofit organization that raises funds for and provides support to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, veterans, and their families. Established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors, FIDF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and is the official organization authorized to collect charitable donations on behalf of IDF soldiers across the United States.

FIDF transforms the lives of the young men and women of the IDF through empowering educational, financial, well-being, and cultural initiatives. Working in partnership with the IDF, FIDF ensures soldiers receive the education, support, and care needed during and after their service. Programs include academic scholarships for combat veterans, support for lone soldiers, wellness and recreation centers, financial aid for families in need, and memorialization of fallen soldiers.

Headquartered in New York City, FIDF operates 25 regional offices across the United States and one office in Latin America, organizing events, missions to Israel, and fundraising galas in their surrounding communities throughout the year. The organization also runs an active Young Leadership division (FIDF YL / NEXT) with chapters in major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, and others — providing young professionals with opportunities to connect, travel to Israel, and support IDF soldiers.