Weekend for IDF families

A three day Shabbat Weekend getaway for IDF soldiers' families. The retreat provided the opportunity for the families to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy quality family time together without the consistent pressures of routine life in the absence of the husband and father.

• February 1, 2024
• - 22 Shevat 5784

Since the extensive mobilization of reserve forces on October 7th, many soldiers, among them fathers of young children, have not been home for weeks on end, some for over 100 days. Proud of the courage and sacrifice of their men defending our homeland during the current War, nonetheless the day-to-day pressures of life are taking their toll on their wives and children. Having to juggle the tasks of running a home with children and often a demanding job to support the family, they are contending with constant worry for the safety of their husbands in battle and sleepless nights of waking their children to dash to shelters.

To support the families of soldiers, Chamah arranged a three-day Shabbat weekend at a Hotel in Ma'aleh Adumim, Israel, the weekend of January 25th. The hotel premises are beautifully designed and the retreat provided the opportunity for the mothers and children to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy quality family time together without the consistent pressures of routine life in the absence of the husband and father.

This all-inclusive vacation included full accommodations and the use of all the hotel facilities: synagogue, dining hall, conference and activity rooms, spa, and more. Transportation to and from the hotel was provided.

Mothers were treated to a trip to the Dead Sea and children were taken to Magic Kass, the largest indoor amusement park in Israel, featuring unique attractions. Dedicated volunteers accompanied the children.

The Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, came to greet the group.

Thoughtful gifts, toys, and treats were distributed to the families. Throughout the vacation, inspiring and insightful talks, workshops, and activities were offered, providing much-needed strength and recognition, and enhancing the experience for adults and children alike.  ■

VIDEO: An IDF soldier thanks Chamah very much for a beautiful Shabbat weekend after fighting in Gaza for over one hundred days. He says that it was a wonderful Shabbat with his family and kids and it really warmed his heart and gives him strength to continue on.