For every newly bereaved partner, a personal support team is formed immediately after the death of a fallen soldier becomes known. Each team is composed of a longtime bereaved partner, a volunteer therapist, and a team coordinator. Typically, the experienced bereaved partner accompanies and supports the newly bereaved partner, while the volunteer therapist focuses on assisting the parents, offering them tools to help their son or daughter through this time of profound crisis.

The team reaches out during the shiva and remains present throughout the early, painful stages of mourning. Their purpose is to provide both immediate emotional and practical support to the bereaved partner and their parents, to connect them with GFIDF, and to walk alongside them through any need that arises. The team also helps open doors to further support - whether individual or group therapy - and assists with unique challenges such as communication with military commanding officers, school or university faculty, or workplaces where understanding and guidance about the complex coping process may be required.

The depth and frequency of contact between the personal support team, the bereaved partner, and their parents are shaped by the partner’s pace and individual needs. Over time, the team introduces the full range of GFIDF’s therapeutic services and supports the partner in choosing a path of care that suits their wishes.

All support team members are part of GFIDF’s volunteer corps and undergo specialized training led by the professional staff. The teams themselves are also provided with a supervision and processing framework, ensuring they can be fully present for bereaved partners while also protecting their own well-being when faced with the difficulties of this work. Typically, the support lasts for about one year, with the option to extend if needed.