Or L'Mishpachot (Light for the Families) is an organization dedicated to honoring bereaved parents who have lost their children in Israel’s military and defense operations. It was founded out of a deep sense of solidarity and compassion for the pain and grief that are not only personal, but national. .We provide a supportive community built on mutual care, within an atmosphere of optimism, strength, and encouragement—empowering parents to regain resilience, rebuild their lives, and choose life. The organization was established in 2008 by Irit Oren Gundars, a retired IDF Lieutenant Colonel and former Head of the Human Resources Branch in the Combat Engineering Corps. Irit, who serves as Chair and CEO of the organization, considers Or L'Mishpachot her life’s mission. She leads the association tirelessly and entirely on a volunteer basis from her home in Israel.
The initiative began with three bereaved families from the Combat Engineering Corps: the parents of Staff Sergeant Adi Avitan, the parents of Captain Moshe Trento, and the parents of Captain Moshe Aini. What began as a painful encounter became empowering. I realized the importance of this work and felt compelled to continue.
Many attest that this sacred and dedicated endeavor — in strong partnership with volunteers and donors — bears fruit and serves as a vital source of support and encouragement for bereaved families, who deserve a lasting light more than anyone.
Irit says:
"In my role in the IDF, I was exposed to parents who lost their children during military service. I visited these families in their most difficult hours—wonderful families during a great crisis. The realization that there are many mothers and fathers waiting in vain for sons and daughters who will never return struck my heart and touched the depths of my soul. I felt a strong need to embrace and encourage, to support and assist; I wanted to change and make an impact. In the summer of 2006, I held the first meeting at my home for families sharing a common fate, with the desire to bring them closer together in love."