Donate to the IDF
Reliable and legitimate organizations
To donate to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) or support soldiers and their families, it’s important to choose a reliable and legitimate organization. Here are a few reputable organizations where you can make donations:
FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces): This is a well-known nonprofit organization that provides support and services to IDF soldiers and their families. They have various programs for education, financial assistance, and well-being.
Website: www.fidf.org
The Michael Levin Lone Soldier Foundation: This foundation supports lone soldiers—those who serve in the IDF without immediate family in Israel. They provide essential resources, including financial assistance, housing, and social support.
Website: www.lonesoldiercenter.com
Yashar LaChayal: This organization directly supports IDF soldiers by providing them with essential gear, food packages, and other necessities. They focus on immediate and practical support.
Website: www.yasharlachayal.org
Magen David Adom: While not directly supporting the IDF, this organization provides medical support and emergency services, which indirectly benefits soldiers during their service.
Website: www.mdais.org
These organizations are reputable and widely recognized for their support of the IDF and related causes.
Always ensure you’re donating through official websites to avoid scams.
BEWARE: Donate only to the reliable and legitimate organizations
Identifying specific scam websites can be tricky since they are often taken down quickly or change domains to avoid detection. However, some scams have been reported in the past that targeted donors by pretending to be legitimate Israeli charities. Here are three examples:
Fake “Friends of the Israel Defense Forces” (FIDF) Websites:
- Scammers have created websites that closely mimic the official FIDF site, using similar logos and layouts to deceive donors. These fake sites often have slight differences in the URL (e.g., a misspelled word or a different domain extension).
- Example: A fake website might use a domain like “friendsoftheidfisrael.org” instead of the official “fidf.org.”
Fraudulent “Emergency Relief Funds” for Israel:
- During times of conflict or crisis, scam websites pop up claiming to be emergency relief funds for Israel. These sites often appear during wars or periods of heightened tension, capitalizing on people’s desire to help.
- Example: Scams have been reported where websites claim to collect funds for victims of rocket attacks or displaced families but instead funnel money to unknown individuals.
Fake “Lone Soldier” Support Organizations:
- Lone soldiers, or those serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel, are often the focus of legitimate charitable efforts. However, scammers have set up fake organizations claiming to support lone soldiers, soliciting donations through fraudulent websites or social media campaigns.
- Example: A fake site might use a domain name similar to legitimate organizations but lack verifiable contact information or proper registration details.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always double-check the URL of the charity you intend to donate to and ensure it matches the official organization’s website.
- Research the organization on platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before donating.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or social media posts that urge you to donate quickly without providing detailed information.
If you come across a site you suspect to be a scam, report it to relevant authorities or platforms to prevent others from being victimized.