Two in five Israelis know bereaved partner of fallen IDF soldier

Approximately 40% of Israelis know a bereaved partner of a fallen IDF soldier, and 8% personally knew someone who was killed during the war, according to survey data published by the “They Left a Partner Behind” organization on Sunday.

They Left a Partner Behind stated that the organization works with and advocates for the rights and well-being of the unmarried bereaved partners of fallen IDF soldiers.

According to the organization, the survey had a margin of error of ±3.68% and a confidence interval of 95%. The survey was conducted by the Israeli research panel “iPanel” and was analyzed by WBN. 

iPanel’s website describes itself as “Israel’s leading online research panel,” and WBN’s website describes itself as “a boutique PR and strategy consultancy firm specializing in building and delivering political and social campaigns and working alongside clients in the public and political spheres.”

The survey further found that the Israeli public was vastly in favor of providing the bereaved with psychiatric aid and official recognition.

Nearly nine in 10, or 89% of survey respondents, reportedly felt that bereaved partners should be provided with psychological treatment.

Two-thirds, or 67% of respondents, said that the IDF should provide partners with official notification on the status of their significant others as the military does with family members.

Further, 73% of respondents stated that they thought bereaved partners should be able to take time off from work in order to sit shiva and attend memorials and remembrance days without having to use their vacation days.

“Until the establishment of the association 27 years ago, there was no recognition of the non-married partners of fallen IDF soldiers,” They Left a Partner Behind CEO Adi Alon Scheinberg said.

They Left a Partner Behind saw influx of members over the last year

The organization stated that, while in the past, an average of 12 bereaved partners joined the organization every year, since October 7 of last year, 307 have joined.

“This year, the association’s activity has grown in an unprecedented and painful manner, requiring us to raise donations in addition to the budget the association receives,” Scheinberg continued. “We will continue to support and accompany the bereaved partners who have received the worst news of all.”