“…and we must not forget the reservists’ families!”

Rabbi Peter H. Grumbacher

Who in our beloved State of Israel wasn’t impacted by the horrific attack on October 7, 2023? NO ONE! From the families of the murdered hostages and those who suffered in the hands of Hamas; from the IDF soldiers killed and wounded; from those displaced from the north of Israel, there is sadness, grief, and uncertainty all over the Jewish State.

But has anyone heard about the overwhelming distress of the families of the reservists, hundreds of thousands of whom were called up? Surely not to dismiss or minimize the situation of others, the families of the reservists have faced—and continue to face—economic, emotional, and logistical challenges. There are mothers raising children alone, managing as best as they can the anxiety of the little ones as their partners serve the nation; therefore, we must not forget the reservists’ families!

There is now a grassroots organization called the IDF Reservists’ Wives Forum whose vision is “a resilient society that uplifts reservist families as vital contributors to Israel’s strength, providing them with sustainable solutions for stability and quality of life.” In the two years since the war began and the toll on their families increased, the organization has achieved a new perspective on reservists and their families. If the government, the Knesset, and even the IDF did not appreciate the contributions of reservists across the almost eight decades since the State was created, these women are making them quite clear . . . and it’s a shame that a war has to shed light on what should be obvious.

There has been focused advocacy which has had meaningful results. Just as an example, they developed the framework for the “Mobilized for the Reserves” plan, securing nine billion NIS. The women have had successes in the Knesset, the members of which passed a landmark law safeguarding reservists and spouses from termination and unpaid leave.

And it wasn’t only on the national level that they set their sights. They established a network of reservists’ families in 70 municipalities promoting policy change at the local level. These women are “out there,” recognizing their very real needs and working hard to achieve their reasonable goals.

Among other honors, the group was featured on Forbes 2024 list of influential women. Their influence is as good as the response they receive. Their cause is worthy, and while so many of us are supporting various causes in the war-torn homeland, this cause has to come to the attention of Jews in Delaware and across the United States.

For more information and to contact IDF Reservists’ Wives Forum, email Sapir Bluzer at neshotmill@gmail.com