Behind the men of the Israel Defense Forces stands a powerful force with which to reckon: mothers of chayalim. The mothers are known as lionesses, as are the wives of chayalim who are holding down the Home Front. They support their children and advocate on their behalf. They’ve got their backs. Imahot HaLochamim, The Mothers of Combat Soldiers Foundation, was formed in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, after which the mothers moved into the background and returned to action during the current war.
Although I am not an official member of this organization, I am an eim locheim, the mother of a combat soldier. I experience all that I see and hear through the lens of how it affects our chayalim. When it is cold and rainy outside, my mind is immediately filled with images of wet and shivering chayalim, exposed to the elements. When I hear the roar of planes flying overhead, I think about the brave soldiers carrying out their mission.
While I’m sure the mothers of Imahot HaLochamim are up at night, worrying about these things as well, the organization focuses more on strategic concerns. Imahot HaLochamim is an organization that brings together hundreds of mothers of combat soldiers from across the spectrum of Israeli society and some from abroad. These lionesses take great pride in their children who are defending the land of Israel and its citizens. They support the government and the IDF in fighting this critical war that was forced upon us. At the same time, if they disagree with decisions being made by the powers that be, they will make their voices heard.
The motto of the mothers is “Chayei chayaleinu kodmim.” The lives of our soldiers take priority over the lives of the citizens of the enemy. The extent to which we uphold this value directly influences how we fight the war.
In the early days of the war, our army placed a siege around Gaza. It didn’t take long before the world protested and rallied for the citizens of Gaza. We quickly succumbed to international pressure and removed the siege. Now, we send hundreds of trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza every day. We provide them with food, water, medication, and fuel. This aid also ends up in the hands of Hamas, who use it in their war against us. We are helping our enemy fight us. This is not a decision that was taken lightly by our government. They are not looking for ways to help our enemies. They have to balance many conflicting needs that have global ramifications.
Imahot HaLochamim organized a demonstration near the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza in an attempt to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. This was in addition to a similar demonstration organized by families of hostages. Last week, relatives of hostages, discharged reserve soldiers, and evacuated families joined forces and succeeded in significantly limiting, albeit temporarily, the number of trucks that entered Gaza.
Imahot HaLochamim also set up a tent outside the Knesset to communicate their message to the decision-makers. Members of the Knesset stop by the tent to offer their support. Dr. Chana Katan, an American-born Israeli doctor and mother of seven sons/sons-in-law fighting in the war, spoke at the tent. She stated that they ask of the government just two things: Firstly, it should be clear that the lives of the chayalim take priority over the lives of the citizens of Gaza. She quotes Chazal who state that he who is compassionate to the cruel will ultimately become cruel to the compassionate. We should not send aid into Gaza. Secondly, they ask that they let the IDF finish the job. This should not be just another round of fighting. Let them fight until they destroy Hamas, return the hostages, and restore security to Israel’s borders. The more power we show in Gaza, the more we will succeed on our other fronts.
These are the messages that Imahot HaLochamim are desperately trying to get out. They sent a letter to President Biden asking that he allow Israel to fight the war until Hamas is destroyed. In the letter, they stated that 75% of the citizens of Gaza support Hamas, and many even participated in the terrible events of the massacre on October 7.
The mothers also demonstrated in front of the hotel in Tel Aviv where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stayed. They ask that the US step back and let Israel do what they would do if they were in a similar situation. Blinken is pressuring Israel to allow the citizens of Gaza to return to their homes in the north as soon as possible. The mothers claim that this also puts their children at risk. Hamas operatives disguise themselves as civilians so they can carry out attacks.
Imahot HaLochamim also offers support to mothers of fighters. Several weeks ago, they invited mothers of soldiers to an evening of chizuk and laughter over Zoom. A comedian entertained and helped the women laugh at themselves and their situation. A parenting coach taught emotional tools for resilience through a workshop titled “Women During Times of War.” In another Zoom event, a national security expert discussed the war in Gaza and its consequences for the future. Such events help women deal with the heavy burden they are carrying these days.
B’ezras Hashem, we will soon accomplish all of our goals of this war, and the function of Imahot HaLochamim will no longer be necessary. Meanwhile, I’m grateful that this organization is calling attention to the needs of the chayalim who are selflessly fighting our battle. We need to protect them so that they can protect us.
Please continue to daven for the recovery of the wounded, the release of the remaining hostages, and the success and safe return of all the chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
