JERUSALEM, Israel, August 3, 2026 — Jewish National Fund-USA continues to transform the lives of those living in Israel’s North and South by empowering young adults with disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), strengthening their independence and building meaningful futures.
The organization provides critical support to Special in Uniform, a program that integrates young adults with disabilities into meaningful military service and offers emotional resilience, vocational training, and pathways to employment and independent living. During the first half of 2026, approximately 1,100 active soldiers served on nearly 70 IDF bases across Israel, contributing to logistics, emergency preparedness, supply management, and other essential operational roles that directly support Israel's security.
Beyond the critical work performed by the soldiers themselves, the program continues to reshape Israeli society by fostering inclusion within the IDF. Every day, commanders and fellow soldiers learn to recognize ability before disability, creating stronger units built on empathy, responsibility, trust, and shared purpose.
Receiving a draft letter in Israel has become a “rite of passage” for countless young Israelis. However, for those with a disability, they often receive a letter exempting them from service.
"By providing these individuals with a draft letter, what we are doing with the draft letter is turning it from a 'no' to a 'yes',” said Tiran Attia, the director of Special in Uniform. “With Jewish National Fund-USA's help, we do it by making thoughtful modifications that address what these amazing young people need in order to succeed.”
Jewish National Fund-USA's support for Special in Uniform is part of its “circles of impact.” By investing in inclusive education, workforce development, and programs that ensure every Israeli can reach their full potential, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build stronger, more resilient communities throughout the country.
During the first half of 2026, the program celebrated the induction of 40 young adults with disabilities into the IDF—an important milestone that represents belonging, independence, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to serve the State of Israel. Participants also benefited from a wide range of therapeutic and resilience-building initiatives, including the Bound by Bravery program connecting soldiers with wounded veterans, therapeutic horseback riding, canine therapy, and Krav Maga training, each designed to build confidence, emotional resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
Special in Uniform's impact extends well beyond military service. As its participants complete their service, the program continues supporting them as they transition into employment, independent living, and full participation in Israeli society. In 2026, the organization aims to place an additional 50 graduates in meaningful employment while expanding community-based housing and independent living opportunities.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA's support of Special in Uniform, visit jnf.org/disabilities.
###
About Jewish National Fund-USA
For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country’s future. Our work is focused on making Israel’s North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long-term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org.
