Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

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Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)
ארגון ידידי צה״ל בארה״ב‎
Founded1981; 44 years ago (1981)
TypeNonprofit organization
13-3156445[1]
Legal status501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Location
Coordinates40°45′14″N 73°59′11″W / 40.7539128°N 73.9864173°W / 40.7539128; -73.9864173
Nadav Padan[2]
Interim Chairman
Nily Falic[3]
Revenue$281,960,000[4] (2023)
Expenses$143,170,000[4] (2023)
Employees126[1] (2013)
Volunteers70[1] (2013)
Websitewww.fidf.org

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a United States–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds for programs that support the health, well-being, and education of active duty Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, veterans, and bereaved families. It was established in 1981 and is headquartered in New York City.[5][4] FIDF describes its mission as providing "critical support for the health, well-being, and education of Israel's protectors."[6]

The organization states that it is the official U.S. charity authorized to collect donations for IDF soldiers. Reporting in 2025 noted that the IDF spokesperson did not confirm exclusivity and instead referred inquiries to the Association for Israel's Soldiers, while another U.S. nonprofit claimed equivalent authorization.[2][7][8]

In fiscal year 2023, FIDF reported $281.96 million in revenue, $143.17 million in expenses, and $336.43 million in total assets, reflecting a significant increase from 2022 during the first year of the 2023–2024 Israel–Hamas war.[4] Charity evaluators have generally rated the organization favorably.[9]

History

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FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors to fund educational and well-being programs for IDF service members and families of the fallen.[5] FIDF states that it provides "critical support for the health, well-being, and education" of IDF soldiers and veterans and their families through scholarships, family services, and resilience programs.[6]

The organization is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity in the United States and has been tax-exempt since July 1983.[4] FIDF states that, under U.S. and Israeli law, it does not fund arms or military operations and restricts grants to well-being, health, education, and bereavement support.[10]

Over four decades the organization expanded into a national network of U.S. chapters that fund scholarships, family support, rehabilitation, and capital projects. The group presents itself as coordinating with Israel's Ministry of Defense and the Association for Israel's Soldiers on program needs and compliance.[10][11]

FIDF's public fundraising surged during and after major conflicts. A 2017 Los Angeles gala raised a reported $53.8 million, including a $16.6 million gift from Oracle Corporation cofounder Larry Ellison for well-being facilities on an IDF training campus.[12] In 2023 the organization's IRS filing showed revenue rising to $281.96 million, up from $89.34 million in 2022.[4]

FIDF publicizes letters from IDF leadership and describes itself as the official U.S. partner authorized to raise charitable donations for IDF soldiers.[11] In 2025, JTA reported that the IDF spokesperson did not confirm FIDF's exclusivity and referred questions to the Association for Israel's Soldiers. American Friends of LIBI asserted that it holds equivalent authorization. CharityWatch's executive director characterized such messaging in the charity sector as "playing fast and loose with the facts," a general caution about nonprofit marketing claims rather than a specific finding of legal violation.[2][13][7][8]

Notable people

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  • Nadav Padan, retired Israeli major general and chief executive of FIDF from 2025[2]
  • Steven Weil, chief executive until July 2025[14]
  • Nily Falic, national chair and past chair who returned to the role on an interim basis in 2025[3]
  • Haim Saban, major donor and event chair in Los Angeles[12]
  • Larry Ellison, major donor for IDF training-camp facilities[12]

Governance and organization

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In July 2025, after an internal investigation was reported publicly, board chair Morey Levovitz and CEO Steven Weil resigned. Nily Falic, a past chair, served as interim national chair while Maj. Gen. (res.) Nadav Padan moved into the chief executive role.[14][3][15] Padan later reaffirmed the organization's claim of exclusive authorization in the U.S., a point that remained contested in press coverage.[2]

FIDF reports more than two dozen regional chapters across the United States, coordinated by a national office that works with Israeli counterparts on project pipelines and compliance.[11][10]

Public filings list executives and directors and disclose compensation, while the charity reports a mix of paid staff and volunteers across regions.[4]

Programs and activities

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FIDF funds family-support programs, memorial and bereavement initiatives, and financial assistance for basic needs through vouchers and grants administered with Israeli partners.[10][16][17] The organization also funds housing, stipends, counseling, and community services for IDF "lone soldiers," defined as service members without immediate family in Israel.[18]

Through its IMPACT! program, FIDF provides four-year academic scholarships for former combat and combat-support soldiers from low-income backgrounds and pairs recipients with donors, having reported its 20,000th scholarship recipient in 2024 with continued expansion in 2025.[19][20]

Programs include physical and psychological rehabilitation, retreats, and bereavement support for families of the fallen, delivered in coordination with Israeli agencies, as well as rest and recuperation, cultural activities, and holiday programming for units and families.[17][16]

Capital projects have included well-being and education facilities on the IDF's training campus in the Negev and synagogues and community spaces on bases.[21] During crises the charity runs time-bound appeals focused on medical equipment, resilience, and family support, implemented with the Association for Israel's Soldiers and the Ministry of Defense.[10]

Fundraising and finances

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IRS filings show revenue of $89.34 million in 2022 and $281.96 million in 2023, with 2023 expenses of $143.17 million and total assets of $336.43 million.[4]

FIDF raises funds through major-gift campaigns, regional dinners, galas, and digital appeals. The Western Region gala in 2017 reported $53.8 million raised, including a single $16.6 million gift for capital facilities.[12]

High-profile donors and corporate partners have supported scholarships and capital projects. FIDF describes work in direct coordination with Israel's Ministry of Defense and with the Association for Israel's Soldiers.[12][10]

Charity Navigator lists FIDF with a four-star rating based on accountability and finance, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community scores.[9] CharityWatch has reported on the organization's internal governance issues while noting that high asset levels had not led to an automatic ratings downgrade in its past assessments.[22]

Public profile and reception

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Media coverage regularly highlights large-scale gala fundraising and capital projects, as well as collaborations with Israeli institutions. In 2024 Israeli press reported on plans for a national mental health and resilience center for soldiers in Netanya, a project aligned with donor-funded resilience priorities.[12][23][24]

Criticism and controversy

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FIDF fundraising events have been the focus of protests by anti-war and Palestinian-solidarity groups, notably at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California, in November 2023. Local outlets documented hundreds to more than one thousand protesters and a significant police presence outside the gala.[25][26][27][28]

In 2025, JTA reported that the IDF did not confirm FIDF's claim to be the only U.S. charity authorized to raise funds for IDF soldiers and noted competing claims by American Friends of LIBI. CharityWatch covered the same controversy and summarized donor-education concerns about broad marketing claims in the sector.[2][13][8]

In July 2025 FIDF announced the resignations of its chair and CEO following the leak of an internal report alleging mismanagement and a toxic workplace culture. The organization said it would improve transparency and culture, and it appointed interim leadership and later a new chief executive.[14][3][15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. Guidestar. December 31, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f In the wake of a leadership shake-up, FIDF doubles down on a disputed claim to reassure donors, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, August 21, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  3. ^ a b c d 3 weeks after damning report leaked, FIDF chair and CEO step down, eJewishPhilanthropy, July 21, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  5. ^ a b Ready To Combat Sexism, New York Jewish Week, via Jewish Telegraphic Agency, March 13, 2012, retrieved November 3, 2025
  6. ^ a b Friends of the IDF, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  7. ^ a b About Us, The Association for Israel's Soldiers, retrieved November 3, 2025
  8. ^ a b c Newly revamped American Friends of LIBI looks to offer alternative to FIDF for supporting Israeli soldiers, eJewishPhilanthropy, October 10, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  9. ^ a b Rating for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Charity Navigator, retrieved November 3, 2025
  10. ^ a b c d e f FIDF's Commitment to You, Friends of the IDF, July 14, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  11. ^ a b c About Us, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  12. ^ a b c d e f Record $53.8 million raised for IDF soldiers at Beverly Hills gala, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, November 5, 2017, retrieved November 3, 2025
  13. ^ a b Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Reasserts Exclusive Status Amid Leadership Turmoil, CharityWatch, September 10, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  14. ^ a b c FIDF chairman and CEO resign amid reports of financial abuse and mismanagement, The Times of Israel, July 22, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  15. ^ a b Friends of the IDF leaders resign from org., The Jerusalem Post, July 23, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  16. ^ a b Financial Support, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  17. ^ a b Wounded Soldier & Bereaved Family Support, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  18. ^ Lone Soldier Support, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  19. ^ Education Programs, Friends of the IDF, retrieved November 3, 2025
  20. ^ 20000th IMPACT! Recipient, Friends of the IDF, May 24, 2024, retrieved November 3, 2025
  21. ^ Largest IDF Synagogue Opens Today Thanks to FIDF, Friends of the IDF, June 23, 2020, retrieved November 3, 2025
  22. ^ Charity Supporting Israel Defense Forces Faces Internal Crisis, CharityWatch, July 9, 2025, retrieved November 3, 2025
  23. ^ Israel constructs new mental health facilities for IDF soldiers, The Jerusalem Post, September 9, 2024, retrieved November 3, 2025
  24. ^ Center for Mental Health and Resilience, Friends of the IDF, February 6, 2024, retrieved November 3, 2025
  25. ^ Pro-Palestinian demonstrators confront guests at Israel defense gala in San Carlos, CBS News Bay Area, November 5, 2023, retrieved November 3, 2025
  26. ^ Protesters gather outside planned San Carlos event supporting Israeli army, NBC Bay Area, November 5, 2023, retrieved November 3, 2025
  27. ^ Jewish-led group holds protest at IDF gala in support of Palestinians, KTVU, November 5, 2023, retrieved November 3, 2025
  28. ^ Friends of the IDF fundraiser disrupted by raucous protesters on Peninsula, J. The Jewish News of Northern California, November 11, 2023, retrieved November 3, 2025
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