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The Reservists’ Wives Forum is a civic movement that emerged from the grassroots in the shadow
of the Iron Swords War.
The prolonged mobilization of reservists created a new and demanding reality for thousands of families across Israel. While reservist soldiers were called to serve for extended periods - often in life-threatening conditions - their wives remained at home, carrying the full responsibility of managing the household, raising the children, and maintaining their careers under conditions of constant uncertainty and emotional strain.
Many women found themselves overwhelmed by the physical and emotional burden, feeling exhausted, isolated, and largely unseen by the systems around them. Over time, it became clear that the consequences were not only emotional but also economic. When a reservist’s wife is forced to reduce her working hours, turn down professional opportunities, or pause her career in order to carry the family alone, the entire household is affected.
In November 2023, thirteen wives of reservist soldiers came together following a Facebook post written by one of them:
"I feel like we are invisible. The army cannot give us answers, mothers are collapsing, and the children are struggling."
Within days, the post grew into a community of thousands of reservists’ wives. Together, we began raising public awareness and promoting policy change. For the first time, the voices of reservists’ wives gained public expression - marking the beginning of a civic initiative dedicated to ensuring that reservist families are recognized
and taken into account.
From a Facebook Post to a National Movement
When Reservists Go to War,
Their Families Do Too
Understanding that the resilience of soldiers depends greatly on the resilience of their families at home, we operate across several key areas:
Research and Data
We operate a large digital community of reservists’ wives and conduct surveys and research examining the impact of reserve duty on family life - emotionally, economically, and professionally. The data we collect helps identify key challenges and supports evidence-based public policy.
Policy and Rights Advocacy
We work with the Knesset, the government, the IDF, and other state institutions to represent reservist families and promote policy changes that reduce the burden placed on families who carry the cost of Israel’s defense.
Shifting Public Awareness
Through media engagement and social networks, we work to broaden public understanding - shifting the focus from the individual soldier to recognition that the entire family is mobilized.
Community and Support
Our community provides reservists’ wives with emotional support, a sense of belonging, access to information, and guidance in navigating rights and available services.
Work with Local Authorities
We operate in 70 municipalities across Israel through representatives who are themselves reservists’ wives. They work directly with local governments to raise family needs and develop municipal-level support solutions.
Employment Initiatives
We promote partnerships with the private sector, develop professional training programs, and provide practical tools to help women overcome employment challenges created by prolonged reserve service.
Our Vision
We aspire for the State of Israel to recognize reservist families as an integral part of the country’s security system and social fabric, and to ensure a sustainable framework of emotional, economic, community, and employment support.
Only through such recognition will reservist families be able to continue bearing this responsibility with pride, knowing that the country they support also stands firmly behind them.