HOD Lodges Present Donation to IDF Widows & Orphans

The Hebrew Order of David Foundation, comprised of the 23 HOD Lodges worldwide, presented a check for $200,000 to the IDF Widows & Orphans Fund, Sunday, Nov. 3. The check represents the latest results in an ongoing campaign to fund an educational endowment for widows and orphans of fallen servicemen of the IDF, police officers, and other security personnel.

Since Oct 7, 2023, the number of widows and children who have lost one or both parents has increased by more than 750. Among IDFWO’s numerous programs and support initiatives, annual scholarships are a crucial component to foster the academic and personal growth of widows and adult orphans within the organization.

Beginning in 2025, when individual scholarships are expected to increase to $2,400 per recipient, the endowment will fund several scholarships annually. In this way, the Hebrew Order of David International is creating a lasting legacy of support for future generations of orphans of fallen Israeli security personnel.

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HOD leaders in North America began working with a network of benefactors this past summer to set up a philanthropy program to match HOD donations to IDFWO dollar for dollar. In the process, they established the HOD Foundation Philanthropy Fund to better manage donations for this and other causes.

“Through HOD’s many connections in the Jewish world, the Jewish Men’s fraternity has been able to greatly expand fundraising efforts. It was time for us to step up,” said David Joss, Deputy Grand Lodge President of HOD. “We worked together to start our Buses for Birthright campaign in 2023, which resulted in raising $390,000 to support two busloads of young Jews to participate in Birthright trips to Israel. Anat Sultan Dadon, Israeli Consul General to the Southeastern United States, brought to our attention the need to support IDFWO, and we took a tremendous effort in a very short time.”

In addition to the campaigns for IDFWO and Birthright, HOD also raised funds for United Hatzalah, right after the Hamas invasion of Israel. Together, the three campaigns have raised more than $800,000.

The check presentation capped the ceremonies celebrating HOD International’s 120th anniversary and the 25th anniversary in North America and the installation of new officers for Atlanta’s lodges. On hand for the presentation were Hagar Daniels Ozeri with her baby, Ella Ozeri. Hagar’s husband made the supreme sacrifice and gave his life last year for Israel and the Jewish people.