Families Under Fire: How WIZO Supports Reservists and Their Loved Ones

This month, as the war escalates once again, thousands of reservists have been called back into service. Many of these men and women have already given more than anyone should ever be asked—some serving over 300 days in a single year. Their absence tears at the fabric of family life: fathers missing milestones, mothers carrying the load alone, and children growing up in an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, WIZO has developed unique initiatives to strengthen Israel’s social resilience—because the nation’s security is measured not only on the battlefield, but also in the homes of those who serve.

“A Father Is Born”: Building Fatherhood Under Fire

The idea for “A Father Is Born” was built gradually over the past two years, shaped by the growing needs of fathers serving extended reserve duty. It was officially launched just before the Iranian missile attack earlier this year, which forced a two-week halt to face-to-face meetings as participants were called back into uniform and the country endured relentless bombardment.

Yet despite this disruption, the program returned stronger than ever. Fathers described the groups as “an island of sanity and an anchor” amid chaos.

The sessions address three core struggles shared by many reservist fathers:

• Conflicted loyalties — torn between duty to the army, comrades, and the family that longs for their presence.
• Deep guilt — every choice, whether to serve or to stay, carries emotional weight.
• Challenges bonding with infants — fathers absent during critical months often struggle to build attachment with their babies.

Data that Speaks Volumes

Program surveys highlight both the pain and the progress:

• Over 60% reported that relationship conflicts increased since the war began.
• An overwhelming 89% said the group improved their relationship with their partner.
• Half of participants said they learned practical tools for emotional regulation and conflict resolution.

One father reflected:
“Before the meetings, I knew something was missing but couldn’t put it into words. The sessions helped us protect our relationship, even with a new baby and all the stress. We started making time just for ourselves, something we hadn’t done before.”

Another shared:
“I got tools to handle extreme situations, and I understood I’m not alone—others know exactly how I feel. Hearing their stories gave me perspective and strength.”

These voices reveal how critical such safe spaces are—not only for the men themselves, but for the families waiting at home.

Supporting Mothers: Programs Born in the First Year of War

From the very first year of the war, WIZO recognized that the wives and partners of reservists needed dedicated support. Many shoulder the burden of parenting alone, while some also serve as reservists themselves.

To meet this need, two flagship initiatives were developed:

Dyadic Workshops: Mother & Infant (0–3)

These workshops create a structured, nurturing environment where mothers can connect with their babies while also connecting with other women navigating the same struggles.

Participant feedback underscores their importance:

• “The workshop gave me time just for myself and my baby—away from housework and stress.”
• “It strengthened the bond with my daughter and gave us new tools for play and relaxation.”
• “Even when I couldn’t attend, the facilitator reached out with care. That personal touch meant everything.”

One mother described the experience as life-saving:
“The facilitator gave me back my strength. When others made me feel I wasn’t a good mother, the group helped me believe in myself again.”

Art Therapy Workshops

Alongside the dyadic groups, WIZO also offers art therapy workshops—a space for women to process the emotional weight of separation, responsibility, and fear. These workshops allow creativity and expression to become tools for healing.

As program coordinator Rotem Ben Dov explained:
“Art therapy gives women a place to express what words can’t always capture. In these sessions, they can release stress, connect with one another, and recharge so they return to their families stronger and calmer.”

Looking Ahead: A Mission of Continuity

With another round of reserve call-ups already underway, the demand for these programs is only growing. WIZO’s vision is to expand “A Father Is Born” to fathers of older children and to broaden the reach of women’s programs across Israeli society.

As Shira Sternfeld, Coordinator of the dyadic program for reservist families at WIZO, explains:
“We are preparing for another cycle of reserve duty, opening more groups for families, women, and their babies. These meetings provide stability in times of uncertainty. Women tell us the workshops are a rare pause to listen to themselves, to their children, and to feel together.”

Rotem Ben Dov, who coordinates WIZO’s art therapy workshops for reservists’ wives, adds:
“In this complex time, women juggle not only longing and worry, but also the daily challenges of running a home and raising children alone. Our programs create a safe, supportive space where they can share experiences and remember they are not alone.”

From the field, new needs are becoming clear. Reservists’ families are asking for a program that focuses on fatherhood for children over the age of two—helping fathers navigate parenthood under the strain of repeated and prolonged absences. Fathers of toddlers and young children face unique challenges when their return home is followed by another sudden departure, often triggering anxiety, regression, or behavioral issues in their kids. Supporting these fathers means equipping them with tools to remain present and engaged parents, even under conditions of uncertainty.

In addition, there is a growing need for couples’ workshops to strengthen relationships under pressure. Absences, emotional strain, and the burdens of daily life are pushing many families into crisis. Providing couples with tools to communicate, share responsibility, and sustain their partnership is essential to the resilience of the entire family unit.

The message is clear: emotional resilience is not a luxury—it is a national security imperative. By supporting fathers on the frontlines of parenting, mothers holding the home front, couples under strain, and children growing up under the shadow of war, WIZO strengthens the very fabric of Israeli society.

Even in times of war, these initiatives prove that the true strength of Israel lies not only in its military might, but in its ability to protect, support, and uplift the families who sacrifice the most.