Lone soldiers receive Chanukah gift cards

JERUSALEM (Press Release) — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), in collaboration with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers (AWIS), provided “Fellowship Gift Cards” to over 9,000 soldiers in-need and Lone Soldiers currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) so they can celebrate the Chanukah holiday season without financial worries.

The gift cards (each worth between NIS 400-1,000) are redeemable at major retail chains in Israel for purchasing basic supplies such as food, clothing and shoes. Among the soldiers who received this financial support were over 2,500 Lone Soldiers — young men and women who choose to leave their countries of origin to immigrate to Israel and serve in the IDF. Lone Soldiers come to Israel from across the Diaspora to join in Israel’s defense and become part of Israel’s melting pot.

Over the past seven years (2008-2014), FIDF and The Fellowship have provided almost $18 million in financial support to soldiers from low-income families.

The Fellowship and FIDF distribute “Fellowship Gift Cards” three times a year, during the major Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Passover. This campaign is administered in collaboration with the IDF Personnel Directorate and reaches every eligible IDF soldier.

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Preceding provided by The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews