A recent feature in J. The Jewish News of Northern California, “After FIDF turmoil, some local donors turn to smaller nonprofit that also aids IDF”, follows the story of a Silicon Valley couple who had been deeply involved with FIDF but decided to pivot their philanthropy to American Friends of LIBI, a smaller nonprofit that also supports IDF soldiers.
Their journey reflects a broader shift among donors who want their gifts to feel both impactful and closely aligned with their values.
American Friends of LIBI (“AFL”) is the official fund of the IDF, established in 1980 by Prime Minister Menachem Begin and IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan to care for the educational, spiritual, and recreational needs of soldiers — needs that fall outside Israel’s formal defense budget. AFL connects U.S. donors directly to that mission, channeling support to programs on the ground that provide social, medical, and welfare assistance to soldiers and their families.
At a time when headlines have raised tough questions about governance and transparency in the broader ecosystem of Israel-related charities, the American Friends of LIBI’s model offers something different: a lean, volunteer-driven structure and a direct line to commanders’ real-time requests from the field.
For donors who have supported IDF well-being work for years — or who are just now looking for responsible, high-impact ways to stand with Israel’s soldiers — the J. article is a powerful reminder that there are meaningful choices.
Read the full article below: