Otzmama summer camp provides support for widowed mothers and young orphans

The IDF Widows & Orphans Organization (IDFWO) hosted its summer Otzmama camp from August 16-19 at the Elma Hotel in Zichron Ya’akov, providing therapeutic and recreational support for 92 widowed mothers and over 160 orphaned children up to age six. The four-day program, supported by IDF Widows & Orphans Canada, offered age-appropriate activities for children, including movement and art therapy, alongside therapeutic support, guidance, and community-building opportunities for mothers. Ayelet Hariv, a participant, noted, “There was a sense that everyone understood and was there to lend a hand and give you some breathing room.” Otzmama is held three times annually, with participants able to transition to the Otzma community for older orphans and Otzma+ for young adults.