Smiles for Chayalim

When a Father Serves in the IDF, His Entire Family Serves Alongside Him

On October 8th, 2023, I was supposed to start a new marketing job. I enlisted in the IDF instead.

At 44, I completed basic training and joined Alog 99, a logistics unit for reserve soldiers who came through the Shalav Bet program. Fathers. Business owners. Men who left careers and families because their country needed them.

I've served over 75 days, including deployment to Gaza. I've met soldiers wearing helmets from the 1970s. I've watched men cancel missions because they lacked adequate protective gear. I've seen families struggle to pay rent while their breadwinner was stationed on the border for months.

The military supply chain has gaps. Civilian donors fill them.

Since October 7th, Smiles for Chayalim has distributed over $1.2 million through Smiles for the Kids Inc. Every dollar goes directly to soldiers and their families. Zero overhead. No delays.

What Your Donation Provides:

A full soldier equipment package costs approximately $360: ceramic plates, updated helmets, tactical gear that soldiers need when official supply channels fall short.

We also support families at home with grocery cards, gift packages for kids missing their fathers, and immediate mental health intervention for soldiers struggling with reintegration.

Why This Matters:

I've been on both ends. I've received the gear donors provided. I've handed packages to soldiers' wives. I've seen what happens when civilians show up as partners in this effort.

Your donation becomes part of their supply chain. The need continues. The families still sacrifice. The soldiers still serve.

Donate now. Every dollar goes directly to those who protect Israel.