Bahamas poker tournament raises nearly $140,000 for IDF widows and orphans

The international poker community recently united for a charity event to benefit the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO). Hosted at the Atlantis Conference Center in the Bahamas as part of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise series, the $10,000 buy-in tournament raised $140,000 to support widows and orphans of Israeli soldiers and security personnel.

The event was spearheaded by the Shalem Fund, a Prague-based nonprofit founded by Ory Weihs and Anna Meissner. The fund, dedicated to supporting Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, collaborated with industry giants like GGPoker, PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg, Poker Hall of Famers, and media personalities to bring the event to fruition.

“Philanthropy is about creating tangible, meaningful change,” said Weihs. “This event embodies that spirit, with the poker community coming together not just to compete, but to make a difference in the lives of families who have sacrificed so much.”

Proceeds from the event will directly fund IDFWO programs, including leadership seminars, enrichment courses, and retreats aimed at empowering widows and orphans to rebuild their lives. Among these programs is the Otzma Camp in Cyprus, offering children an environment of healing and growth.

The event garnered additional attention when poker icons like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth lent their support, donating generously despite being unable to participate.

Concerns of anti-Israel backlash 

The tournament was intentionally kept low-profile until the last minute. Organizers sought to focus attention on the cause rather than publicity in order to avoid anti-Israel protests, ensuring that the funds raised – and the event itself – were a genuine reflection of the community’s desire to give to those in need.

In a Hollywood-esque twist, as reported by Cardplayer Lifestyle – a poker media outlet owned by Israeli-American Robbie Strazynski, who resides in Karnei Shomron – Weihs and Meissner ended up as the final two players in the tournament, with the other 10 having been eliminated. The pair also decided to donate 100% of their winnings to the charity.