The reality is simple and painful.  We are at war, a war to save our homeland. No longer a passing crisis or temporary emergency, the war is part of our daily lives. All across Israel, families are carrying the weight of this war in every way: from the bereaved grieving those they will never hug again, to displaced families who still have not returned home, to the injured and those taking care of them, to the hostage families who wake up each morning to an ongoing nightmare.  Our soldiers are still fighting while their wives and families continue to maintain “normal” life.

Everyone is paying a price. Some in blood, others in grief, all in sleepless nights and raw nerves. And through it all, OneFamily remains exactly what our name promises: a family, present, unwavering, and deeply committed. We are here for all who need us, and for the long road ahead facing each of them.

Remembering Tzeela Gez

On May 14, Tzeela Gez, 30, a beloved and respected therapist from Bruchin, was en route to the hospital with her husband to deliver their fourth child when terrorists opened fire on their car. Tzeela was critically wounded, but despite efforts to save her life, she succumbed to her wounds. Doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section and delivered her baby, who remains in stable but serious condition. “She never stopped smiling, always gave strength to those around her, and was always there for others,” said her sister, Shaked Fors.

Tzeela leaves behind her husband, also wounded in the attack, three young children and a newborn baby boy who will grow up without ever knowing his mother.

May her memory be a blessing.

Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers

OneFamily mourns the devastating loss of  Yishai Elyakim Urbach and Yam Frid, two IDF soldiers who gave their lives in defense of their country.  We will embrace their families with ongoing care and emotional support, so they know they will never have to face their grief alone.

Sergeant Yishai Elyakim Urbach

Staff Sergeant Yam Frid

In remembering him,  Amir Menachem, CEO of the movement said,  “Yam was the kind of person whose big smile and bright eyes instantly revealed who he was to everyone around him. It’s an immense loss that we still can’t grasp. We will carry on his legacy and remember him forever.”

May the memories of Tzeela, Yishai, and Yam be a blessing. We will honor their sacrifice and stand with their families as they face a lifetime of grief and sorrow.

War Widows Find Healing in France

A trip to build community, connection and healing brought 18 post-October 7 widows and OneFamily staff to Paris. The trip provided an opportunity for both lighthearted moments and deep emotional support. The women toured Paris, participated in therapeutic sessions, including a creative pop art workshop that brought color and joy to their time abroad.

Israel’s Ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, and his wife Esther, received the group at his official residence, where they met with the military attaché and his staff. The women were warmly welcomed at the French Parliament, where they met with National Assembly members  who expressed their solidarity and admiration. French Jewish community leaders and members alike embraced the women with open arms, reminding them with every word and gesture that no matter the distance, Am Yisrael is indeed one family.

“It gives us strength. To witness Jews from far away who share our pain, who truly listen, and who welcome us like family. It strengthens our hearts and fills us with hope,” shared one participant.

Parents of Widows Navigate Loss

We run a unique support group for parents whose daughters were widowed in the war. The group meetings serve as a space where they can come together, connect, and begin to heal.

Guided with deep care, the group meets every other week, offering participants a place to open their hearts in conversation and give voice to a double heartbreak: the pain of losing a beloved son-in-law, and the anguish of watching their daughter suffer through unimaginable grief. Too often, their own sorrow is overlooked. These gatherings give them the chance to also be seen, heard, and held.

At a recent meeting, the group took part in a creative terrazzo workshop, a hands-on activity that uses broken pieces of marble, glass, and stone to create something whole and beautiful, mirroring their own journey: shaping something meaningful from what’s been shattered.

A Morning to Shape Grief into Beauty

Bereaved mothers are forever scarred by the loss of a child to war or terror. A support group dedicated to them helps these women find a sense of shared comfort as they open up about their grief. Through regular meetings, they form important connections that help them navigate life after trauma.

The group participated in a hands-on workshop this month a clay studio in Ramat Gilad. With soft clay in their hands, they shaped pieces that spoke where words sometimes couldn’t. Each unique creation became a silent tribute to their beloved child, each movement a small act of resilience.

The Gift of Healing with Joy and Connection

As a beautiful reminder that compassion has no borders for Am Yisrael, a special Bat Mitzvah girl and her mother visiting from New York City joined OneFamily’s group of children of injured soldiers for an afternoon of creativity and joy. Together they made tambourines, laughed, and played with friends who understand what it means to be growing up with a wounded parent.

While the children enjoyed their arts and crafts, their mothers reunited with others who are experiencing a similar journey. The women had met at previous OneFamily events and continue to share a special bond. They are strong women who are holding their families together while their husbands heal from injuries sustained while defending our country.

Getting Ready for Summer at Camp Timberlane

For the 18th summer, we are sending a delegation to Camp Timberlane in Canada. For three unforgettable weeks, 34 bereaved children and seven counselors will participate in Timberlane’s spirit, sports, activities, and culture, experiencing the magic of a true Canadian summer. Since the program began, hundreds of Israeli campers have found healing and joy through this experience, while also building bridges between countries and forging lifetime friendships.

We hosted a special pre-camp orientation in Israel to help our participants prepare for their summer overseas. Campers and their families met with OneFamily’s local staff, and were joined by Toby Rosner, the Executive Director of OneFamily Canada, and Camp Timberlane’s leadership, including owner Corey Mandel, and director Harley Hayman. Toby, Corey and Harley all came to Israel specifically to be at this event to meet and support the campers. The children also had the opportunity to meet their counselors, giving them a familiar and friendly face to look for when they get to Canada.

Youth Division Brings Comfort

Among the group is Rachel Gerafi, who lost her two daughters, Shenhav and Shoham, and grandson, Liel, at the Nova festival. Liel had spontaneously joined his aunts at the rave. None of them came home. In this open-air setting, among horses who listen without words, Rachel is slowly building a new life for herself after experience tremendous loss.