Israeli Celebrities Rally to Support War Orphans

From the moment the war erupted on October 7, the children of Israel who lost parents have needed more than sympathy they have needed real action. One organization stepped up immediately Sunflowers. With six trauma centres launched in cities like Sderot, Ofakim and Ashkelon, it is becoming a national lifeline for the orphaned.

Founded by Hadar Kess, Sunflowers isn’t just about emergency care: its mission is to build a future for these children. Kess, recognised as one of Israel’s top young leaders, leads an organisation that weekly supports over 750 families through dozens of centres around the country.

The awareness campaign launched by Sunflowers has drawn Israel’s top talent. Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai, pop star Noa Kirel, and Olympic champion Peter Paltchik all joined in sharing the stories of these children. The campaign also featured the children themselves, who prepared personal recipes in memory of their lost loved ones a touching adaptation that turns grief into connection.

Among those helped by Sunflowers is Adi from Modi’in. Her father, Roman, fell defending Kibbutz Nir Am on the morning of the attack. She said:

“I chose to bake a maple cake in memory of my dad because it was his favorite. No one around me really understood what I was going through… At Sunflowers, the kids truly understand me.”

Another child, Noya from Ofakim, lost her father Peleg in the battle to defend Moshav Yakhini. She made the pasta her dad used to cook for her and shared:

“I miss my dad all the time. … It feels so strange that he’s not here, and that everyone else has a dad and I don’t.”

The organisation’s work goes beyond individual stories. During the launch of its Annual Orphanhood Report in the Knesset, Sunflowers revealed shocking data: 62% of widowed parents reported a worsening of their children’s emotional state following the war, and 64% said their financial situation had taken a significant hit.

Hadar Kess stated:

“The situation of Israel’s orphans continues to worsen. The 1,000 new orphans added to the circle of loss because of this devastating war are our children… It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the State of Israel provides them with deep, comprehensive, and quality care.”

These words reflect the strong belief that Israel must not simply honour these children in word, but act decisively in deed. Sunflowers’ model shows how community, celebrity voice, and strategic support can combine to give children who have lost everything a path forward not just to cope, but to thrive.

In these challenging times, the people of Israel show what it means to stand together for each other and for the next generation whose future depends on our compassion and commitment.

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