The Mysterious Case of the Recurring Gear Request
People keep asking why we are still raising money for helmets and vests. With 100,000 troops between the Lebanon border and the Litani River alone, the answer is simple. Gear wears out, bullets destroy integrity, and this war keeps going.
Two Dog Tags and a Father’s Promise
Last week, I drove down to Agudah 99 to do what we do best at Smiles for the Kids: feed soldiers and remind them that the people of Israel stand behind them. The occasion was a BBQ for the newest recruits who had just completed their two weeks of training through the Shlav Bet program. […]
Coming Home After 600 Days: The Reality Behind the Headlines
Sunday brought tears of relief as Hadar Goldin’s body finally came home after 11 years. Watching our entire nation stand together, demanding every hostage returns, reminds us why we do what we do at Smiles for the Kids. But as troops withdraw from Gaza, thousands of reservists are walking through their front doors after months—or […]
Your Gift Card Became Our Lifeline: Inside One Reserve Family’s Reality
When Yocheved Stroll’s husband joined Israel’s reserve forces after October 7th, a simple meal delivery voucher transformed their family’s hardest days. Their story reveals the hidden weight carried by thousands of reserve families across Israel. When we decided that my husband would join shlav bet and go straight into miluim, it was not a decision […]
18 for Israel: A Small Gift. A Big Impact
In times of uncertainty and crisis, the people of Israel need more than just words—they need action. That’s why Smiles for the Kids is launching the “18 for Israel” campaign—a grassroots effort with a powerful goal: to bring hope, healing, and practical support to children and families across Israel who are facing hardship. What Is […]