IDF Reservists

When Israel was attacked on October 7, 2023, an entire nation’s world was turned upside down. The unprecedented number of casualties-murdered, physically injured, and mentally scarred-the staggering number of hostages taken to Gaza, and the total collapse of our security systems were a national shock and remain an ongoing trauma.

The ensuing war we have been waging for 20 months is the longest in our history. Its cost in human lives is staggering, as are the direct and indirect costs to our economy.

But there are many additional burdens, some of which are borne by IDF reservists at the front lines, both literally and figuratively.

Most Israelis are drafted at age 18, usually for three years. Following their discharge, men will typically serve in the reserves until their 40s, while women serve until age 24 or until they marry, whichever comes first. The IDF reservists are the true backbone of our defenses. Their experience, maturity, and annual training make them integral to our defense infrastructure.

Many are married, often with children. Some are self-employed, and some work for companies. They come from all over the country, and from all economic and social backgrounds. But they do have this in common: when called up, they show up.

Not because it’s the law, but because they feel compelled to come to the defense of Israel in its time of need. In this war, the IDF has called up over 300,000 reservists. The unprecedented number of reservists called up-and the lengthy period for which they were asked to serve, up to 300 days and more-has created multiple challenges. Their unique and evolving needs are manifested during their reserve duty, and when they return home.

First, they are asked to drop everything and join their unit for an undefined length of time, starting with a month. Their service can be extended, or they might be called up for a second and third tour of duty. Imagine leaving your workplace, or your own business with no advanced warning, for a month or longer. Or leaving your university studies mid-year, not knowing whether you’ll be able to complete the semester or the year. For self-employed reservists, the economic cost can be shattering.

While the law does not allow employers to fire an employee for having served in the reserves, reality is often very different, and returning to a job can be challenging or impossible. For university students, recovering lost time can prove impossible.

Then, there are the effects on the family. Reservists’ spouses are left to handle domestic affairs on their own, for months-raising (often young) children, taking care of the house while holding down a job, and coping with daily life. The divorce rate among reservists in this war is unprecedented, and the emotional repercussions on families devastating.

Last but not least, these reservists are endangering their lives every hour of their service. Fighting in Gaza or in Lebanon, they serve on the war’s front lines, with hundreds having already been killed in battle. While some face challenges upon returning from the war, some never return.

The emotional toll on the reservists and their families will endure. The financial burden on these soldiers is far beyond the government’s capacity. The nonprofit sector is once again offering solutions to both issues, while philanthropy continues to carry the burden in helping the government support our reservists.

JUF is taking part in this national effort. We-including you, our donors-are supporting a special loan fund for reservists who are small business owners and having trouble keeping their businesses afloat. Working with other Jewish Federations and the Israeli government, we are also supporting a newly created National Headquarters for Families of Reservists.

In this way, and through other grants, JUF is helping hundreds of reservists and their families weather this storm and come out of this war with minimized financial or emotional damage.

Just as the reservists are core to our national strength, so are vibrant, generous Diaspora communities. When we’re called upon, we show up, too.

Ofer Bavly is a JUF Vice President and the Director General of the JUF Israel Office.