BFL - ATID Young Leadership Program

ATID YOUNG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

What We Do

• When an IDF soldier is injured in combat, we send out our members with similar injuries to their hospital bed, to show our new member that there is hope at the end of the tunnel. There is life after the injury.

• Soldiers who are severely wounded and are chronically suffering receive critical medical support such as cutting-edge medical devices, consults and surgeries by leading physicians and surgeons in the world.

• Over 30 different soldier-run programs help our members reclaim their lives. From sports, through counseling, to workshops and PTSD support groups. The main goal is for our injured soldiers to connect with each other.

• As they get better and begin setting their eyes towards the future, we start translating their dreams into actions. Educational scholarships to all colleges and universities, CV writing workshops, self-promotion guidance, vocational training, internships and job placement.

• Comprehensive financial support, direct financial aid, interest-free loans, mortgage guidance, financial guidance and workshops which change the lives of many of our members and their families.

• We inspire thousands of young Jewish students around the world with the ethical values of injured IDF soldiers who are now committed to helping their fellow soldiers. Our connection with the Diaspora gives us energy and courage to take on the world once again, despite our injury.

• Over the years, as we got bigger, and older, we realized our spouses and our kids are in need of a support system of their own. Today we have numerous events, activities and projects designed for many different constellations: father and child, the spouses, the entire family.

Who We Are

Brothers for Life (“BFL”) is a non-profit organization created and run by wounded IDF officers and based on the unique model of “injured soldiers helping newly injured soldiers.” BFL is currently working with over 1,200 injured soldiers and their families.

CHOOSE LIFE

What and Who

Atid provides young professionals, ages 22-40, the opportunity to be involved in BFL’s mission while networking and socializing with their peers from around the globe. Atid members organize and participate in gatherings, Shabbat dinners, and educational and social events with visiting brothers. The annual “Mission to Israel” provides members an exclusive opportunity to discover Israel alongside IDF injured soldiers. Atid welcomes motivated young people who want to connect, lead and inspire.

Atid

ATID (Future)

Our Goal

Atid is the young leadership program of Brothers for Life. Our goal is to grow and cultivate the future generation of BFL leaders and partners from the Diaspora, by providing them with powerful, life-changing experiences that build their leadership skills and give focus to their passion. Atid participants from around the world gain inspiration from our injured soldiers and build meaningful connections. The bonding that takes place benefits everyone. We aim to form personal connections that will last a lifetime.

Arielle Elad

ATID Director

served in the IDF training combat soldiers in sharpshooting, helping them build their skills and focus. Today I am supporting these injured soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while

Israel.

is a great honor for me to be part of Brothers for Life and leading the Atid project. I want to encourage young men and women to join our global community. You will gain so much inspiration from their personal journeys and character, and can become a meaningful part of the healing process of our injured soldiers.

Simon Wenet, Seattle

Atid Leader Shai Sigler

I have known Brothers for Life since I was a young boy, since the first delegation back in 2007 where our community in Seattle hosted injured IDF soldiers for the very first time. It has been a cornerstone of my Jewish identity. I grew up surrounded by heroes. They instilled me with Jewish pride and also given me a home in Israel and a family outside my own. Today, 15 years into knowing BFL, I am more than excited on building the next generation of global partners and leaders: BFL Atid.

Atid Ambassador to Seattle

I joined the IDF in 2007 and served as a paratrooper in the 202nd battalion. During Operation Cast Lead, an Israeli tank fired a missile which hit near me and my team. I was injured by shrapnel in my right arm and eye. Later I realized that I am suffering from PTSD due to the battles that took place in Gaza.

In 2012, I was in a very dark place, and have decided I cannot do this on my own. I joined Brothers for Life and from there I am only moving forward. Today, I am an engineer, I am married, I am a father of two. I am a BFL ambassador!

Connecting with younger members of the Seattle Jewish community makes me feel we have a common ground which we all live upon. The bond we share is an ongoing one.