IDF Soldiers Help Elderly During COVID-19 Crisis

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has left elderly people around the world in a heightened state of vulnerability. The IDF is taking part in a nationwide operation to assist Israel’s elderly population during this challenging time.

On March 31, 2020, the IDF, in coordination with local authorities, began assisting Israel’s elderly population in order to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19 and prevent the spread of the virus. IDF troops from the Home Front Command have been distributing food, medicine and other necessities to the elderly and other at-risk populations in Israel. The assistance will be given according to the needs defined by government offices.

At this stage, 1,000 IDF soldiers from various units were deployed to approximately 200 retirement homes throughout Israel. An officer and four soldiers will be assigned to each different housing area.

The soldiers will assist the elderly in various ways including providing information suited to their needs in different languages, assisting with food distribution (according to the local authority’s requirements), implementing the Ministry of Health's guidelines and restrictions, and supplying medicine.

Although soldiers will continue to assist in geriatric facilities over the coming weeks, the numbers of soldiers and aid will gradually decline as deemed necessary by the current COVID-19 situation.

Since its establishment last week, the IDF National Assistance Center has helped coordinate the distribution of food packages to elderly and vulnerable citizens across the country. IDF soldiers will continue to provide assistance to Israel’s elderly population as necessary.

The Center for Operational Equipment and Spare Parts for IDF Units in the IDF Technological and Logistics Directorate, which was once in charge of handling and exchanging broken weaponry, was temporarily converted into a food packaging center for the elderly. 

The IDF continues to take the necessary steps to provide assistance wherever it can to Israel’s emergency services and civilian population. Only together can we combat the spread of COVID-19.