General
The IAF Casualty and Loss Department, head quartered at the IAF Center, provides a support system and outreach programs for IAF bereaved and injured families. This military unit works in conjunction and in close cooperation with the IAF Veteran Association to provide additional social, educational and cultural activities for the IAF bereaved and injured families.
Objectives
Since the creation of the State of Israel, the IAF has lost over 1,500 men and women in combat and in training. By law, the State of Israel provides social and financial support to the families that are left behind.
The IAF Casualty & Loss Department is a special unit created to help families cope with loss, grief and other emotional and physical injuries. The main objective of this support system is to have the bereaved families and the injured as well as former IAF POWs re-enter society and adjust to every day life after experiencing a tragedy.
Activities of the Unit
The IAF Casualty & Loss Department is comprised of seven officers and ten soldiers. The officers are trained professionals with specializations in psychology and social work. They work with the families to assure them that they are not alone in coping with their loss. A safe and supportive environment is provided by the IAF and theIAFCenterin which families can open up and share their experiences with others, in an effort to reduce stress and depression.
The work of the IAF Casualty and Loss Department personnel includes:
• Acting as facilitators for bereaved families, former POWs and the injured in all administrative related issues.
• Organizing and conducting military funeral services and memorial services.
• Mediating to assist the families in solving personal problems.
• Organizing retreats for parents and summer camps for widows and orphans.
• Visiting the families and the injured at hospitals and during the holidays.
• Training and educating IAF officers and soldiers on how to deal with loss and bereavement.
• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
Target Population
The IAF Casualty & Loss Department is currently serving the following IAF family members in need:
• 478 Widows
• 911 Orphans
• 1,245 Bereaved Parents
• 1,015 Disabled
• 75 Former POWs
• 312 Injured and Sick
Israel’s main resource is its human resource, therefore each life that is lost in defense of our country is precious and must be remembered and cherished for generations to come. No less important are their families who also shared the ultimate sacrifice. At unfortunate times, when a member of the Israel Air Force is lost, it is the children, spouse and parents who are left with an endless void. These families deserve and need support from their extended family, the Israel Air Force.
A gift of $550,000 will enable a donor to name the special wing of the IAF Center is dedicated for the work and activities of the IAF Casualty & Loss Department.
