Twenty-eight children from Israel, who lost a parent while serving in the country's security forces, participated in a three-week delegation to North America as part of the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization's annual Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. The journey began earlier this month in Chicago, where the children spent a weekend with host families before traveling to Camp Chi in Wisconsin for nearly a week of activities with American children. They then continued to New York City, where they visited Times Square and attended a performance of The Lion King on Broadway, before heading to New Jersey. For many, it was their first visit to the United States.
Daniel Elbaum, executive director of the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization, stated that the trip was carefully planned to provide a meaningful experience for the children, highlighting that The Lion King represents the story of an orphan honoring his father's memory. The trip allowed the children to meet people from diverse backgrounds and experience international travel independently, reflecting their entry into the covenant with the Jewish people.
Although the trip was not specifically designed to combat antisemitism, Elbaum mentioned that fostering a strong Jewish identity and pride in Israel are important ways to help American Jews confront antisemitism. He emphasized the significance of the experience for both the Israeli children and the American children they interacted with.
Among the participants was Tal Goldstein-Almog, an 11½-year-old from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who was taken hostage in Gaza on October 7 and held for 51 days. His father and sister were killed during the attack. Tal shared his experience with the other children during the trip, stating that it felt safe to open up about his past.
Shadan Knefiss, a former IDF orphan who returned as a counselor, highlighted the importance of the program in providing support and understanding among participants. Noor, another participant, expressed that it was his first trip to the United States and encouraged other children to engage in similar experiences to make new friends.