15 Million Shekels Donated to Soroka
A moving initiative aimed at restoring the southern hospital hit by a missile has already raised 9 million shekels.
A ballistic missile fired from Iran struck the Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva last week during one of the last attacks. The hospital is now undergoing rapid restoration through a special fundraising initiative led by ICL, a multi-national manufacturing concern, which has pledged a substantial donation of approximately 5 million shekels and is urging the broader business sector to join the national effort. ICL explains this is a continuation of its long-standing commitment to the region: “Soroka Hospital has been on the front lines since October 7, receiving thousands of casualties, including soldiers and civilians, and functioning bravely in the face of unprecedented challenges.”
“The medical teams at Soroka worked tirelessly and faced unprecedented challenges with devotion,” the company added. “Soroka is a medical anchor for the health system in the south, and it’s important for us to stand by their side just as they act on our behalf. We call on the entire business sector to join us and mobilize for them.”
The initiative, titled “Bringing Back the Pulse to Soroka,” has already raised about 9 million shekels and aims to reach 15 million. The funds will support the full restoration and upgrade of the hospital for the benefit of Negev residents and IDF soldiers regularly treated there.
Love at the Home Front Command: The Story of Staff Sgt. Liel and Capt. Daniel
They grew up in the same neighborhood in Kfar Saba but had never met—until they were assigned to emergency duty at Meir Hospital. This reservist couple found each other amidst chaos and continue to serve together today.
Staff Sgt. Liel, an R.M. 2 NCO, and Capt. Daniel, a company commander in the Home Front Command’s military hospital unit, met on the dramatic day of October 7 while both were stationed at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. Though they had grown up in the same neighborhood, they never crossed paths. “The work was extremely intense at the time, much like today,” said Daniel. “And it truly was love at first sight.”
A month and a half later, they moved in together. “There’s no doubt that the fact we live and serve together keeps us close and aligned,” says Liel.
Today, the two continue to serve as part of the Home Front Command’s ongoing hospital readiness efforts. “Meir has already become our home,” they say, adding, “with the emergency response team and all hospital staff we were called to assist during the security situation—we mainly hope, along with everyone, for better and quieter days for all.”
New York Enlists to Help IDF Widows and Orphans
The Jewish Federation of New York makes a touching gesture for the widows and orphans of IDF soldiers: “We are committed to continuing to support these families in their hardest times.”
The Jewish Federation of New York (UJA), the central philanthropic organization of the New York Jewish community, has launched a financial aid campaign for IDF widows with young children, in collaboration with the Organization of IDF Widows and Orphans.
To date, approximately 200,000 shekels have been donated in the first phase, alongside a pledge of ongoing support. Each widow will receive 500 shekels, intended to provide modest relief and send a clear message: you are not alone.
“Israel is more determined than ever in its historic and just fight to eliminate the axis of evil, and at every moment we remember those who already paid the ultimate price,” said Itzik Shmuli, CEO of the Jewish Federation of New York. “We at the New York Federation are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Organization of IDF Widows and Orphans and pledge to continue supporting the families during their time of need and strengthen them in their recovery.”
Attorney Zehava Gross Meidan, Chair of the Organization of IDF Widows and Orphans, stated: “On behalf of the children and mothers, we deeply thank the New York Federation in Israel for this powerful gesture. This support is not taken for granted—it is comforting, moving, and reminds bereaved families that the Jewish world stands united behind them.”
The Bride Who Went Viral: “Am Yisrael Wishes You Mazal Tov”
Yair Lapid shared the photo, and Israelis fell in love: Even amid missile barrages, Israelis don’t cancel weddings – and the bride in the trench became a symbol of resilience and hope.
During a missile attack from Iran, a single image achieved what hundreds of speeches could not.
The photo shows a bride in a white dress sheltering in a roadside trench during an air raid. Opposition leader Yair Lapid shared the image and tweeted: “Dear bride, know that the entire nation wishes you mazal tov on your wedding day.”
כלה אהובה, תדעי שעם ישראל כולו מאחל לך מזל טוב ביום חתונתך ❤️@roysharon11 pic.twitter.com/itcjBL5k9I
— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) June 19, 2025
Weddings Amid Missiles
Couples across Israel continued to get married despite the war, sometimes under extraordinary conditions.
Reservist couple Noa and Yaniv decided to move up their wedding due to the bride’s mother’s critical health. Within five hours, a reserve unit in Pardes Hanna turned into an improvised wedding hall, with friends volunteering everything—food, decorations, photography, and DJ services.
A Story of a United People
Israelis continue to build life, to reach out and give, and to stand together as one.
