A Partner Left Behind:
The Inspirational Journey of the Unmarried Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers

Join us for a talk with Tamar Heimowitz-Richter, Co-Founder and Chair of GFIDF—the only organization in Israel dedicated to supporting the unmarried partners of fallen IDF soldiers—and Susi Doring-Preston, a bereaved partner.

While married partners are officially recognized by the IDF and receive government support, unmarried partners are not. Yet, more than 50% of unmarried fallen IDF soldiers were in a meaningful relationship at the time of their death.

GFIDF was founded in 1998 in order to support these bereaved partners as they navigate the challenging and painful journey ahead of them. GFIDF provides tailored therapeutic and emotional support, with the goal of enabling these partners, over time, to build a happy and fulfilling life alongside their grief, rather than under its shadow.

Tamar and Susi will share their powerful journeys of transforming profound grief and pain into strength, resilience, and hope.

They will also be joined by Adi Alon Sheinberg (CEO of GFIDF), Kim Muñoz Salazar, Adi Tal-Cohen, Einav Tzemach, and Nevo Yanai—all bereaved partners.

Tamar Heimowitz-Richter is the co-founder and chair of GFIDF, a senior partner at a leading Israeli law firm, former legal advisor to the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, and recipient of the 2025 Presidential Award for Volunteerism. Tamar founded GFIDF at the age of 24 together with her mother, Phyllis, after her sister Michal lost her fiancé, Lieutenant Avi Book, z”l, who fell in Lebanon. Tamar is married to Raffi and a mother of five.

Susi Doring-Preston lost her partner, Staff Sergeant Tsiki Eyal, z”l, in 2005. She serves as a volunteer with GFIDF and is a part of its Board of Members. She is married to David, a mother of four, and works in high-tech.