Forty-eight children who lost a parent in active service with the Israel Defense Forces celebrated their Bnei Mitzvah in an emotional and unifying ceremony at Jerusalem’s Old City. The event, hosted by the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO), brought together a diverse group of Jewish, Muslim, and Druze children for a day of joy, pride, and shared strength.
Honoring Tradition and Diversity
Each child was given the opportunity to mark this milestone in a way that honored their personal heritage. Boys were presented with tefillin and received an aliyah at the Torah, while girls were gifted Shabbat candlesticks in a moving ceremony. Minority participants visited their respective holy sites to commemorate the occasion in their own faith traditions.
This annual celebration has been a cornerstone of IDFWO’s work for more than 25 years, but this year carried deeper resonance. Since the October 7 War of Revival, more Israeli families have joined the ranks of IDF widows and orphans than in the previous two decades combined. So far, 885 children have lost a parent and 352 spouses have lost a partner in defense of the State of Israel.
A Day of Strength and Celebration
For families of the fallen, lifecycle milestones are often bittersweet. To help ease this burden, IDFWO recreates traditional family moments that would normally be led by a parent—such as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah trip abroad, a visit to the Kotel, and a festive celebration—ensuring these children feel fully embraced by the wider Israeli family.
“Nobody will ever replace these children’s parent, but the IDFWO will do everything in our power to give them the tools to grow and flourish, never feeling less than their peers,” said Shlomi Nahumson, CEO of IDF Widows and Orphans Organization. “These families paid the ultimate price for our freedom and deserve the best possible celebration as they become young adults.”
The Bnei Mitzvah journey began earlier this summer with an unforgettable trip to the United States. The group enjoyed an all-American experience that included a Mets game at Citi Field, a Broadway performance of The Lion King, and time at JCC Camp Chi in Wisconsin.
Presidential Welcome and Visit to the Kotel
The official celebration began at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, where President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog warmly welcomed the children. Each child introduced themselves and shared their personal story. In a particularly touching moment, a Bedouin girl apologized for not knowing Hebrew. The President responded in fluent Arabic, expressing gratitude for her family’s sacrifice on behalf of Israel.
The children then toured the newly installed Western Wall Heritage Foundation center, enjoyed a festive lunch in the tunnels, and were joyfully danced down to the Kotel. The boys received their tefillin and were called up to the Torah, while the girls held a moving candle-lighting ceremony. Members of minority communities visited their respective holy sites nearby, each honoring their traditions.
The day concluded with a spirited celebration at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, where the young participants let loose and celebrated their coming of age with music, dancing, and joy.
About IDFWO
The IDF Widows & Orphans Organization (IDFWO) is the sole nonprofit officially recognized by the State of Israel to support the families of fallen IDF soldiers. It provides emotional support, financial aid, educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community for widows, widowers, and orphans.
More information is available at www.idfwo.org/en.
Forty-Eight IDF Orphans Celebrate Bnei Mitzvah At The Western Wall
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