Shayetet 13 (in Hebrew, “Flotilla-13”) is the only Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit designed to complete operations anywhere, under any circumstances, with any amount of notice. For this reason, Shayetet 13 completes more operations than any other unit in the IDF. Shayetet 13 regularly cross-trains with the US Navy SEALs, including its elite SEAL Team 6.

Learn more at our Welcome page.

Israel Navy SEALs face three challenges that are not addressed by the Israeli government or other organizations:

1) In Harm’s Way: Because of the frequency and intensity of Shayetet-13 operations, the unit’s members have an increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress, injury and death. Government services are increasing, thanks in part to advocacy by our foundation, but are still insufficient and the process of applying for and receiving benefits is unfortunately a bureaucratic and contentious one.

2) A More Difficult Transition: Like their peers, Israel Navy SEALs draft at age 18. Unlike their peers, they undergo Israel’s longest and most grueling combat soldier training and commit to its longest and most intensive service (a minimum of six years and eight months including the initial 20-month training and selection process). Completing active-duty service years after their peers, Israel Navy SEALs require unique programs and services in order to transition successfully to civilian life.

2) Need for a Next Mission: Those who become Israel Navy SEALs (approximately 40 out of 8,000 candidates annually, or 0.5%) possess unique values and character that drove them to succeed in a training and service environment which demands uncompromising selflessness, teamwork, honesty and integrity.
Provided the right tools and resources and a platform for continued service, Israel Navy SEALs can apply these values in civilian life for the benefit of themselves, Israeli society and the global Jewish community.

AFINS’ role is to engage supporters in funding critical programs and services for the Israel Navy SEAL community and for the many other groups we reach through SEAL volunteerism. We deliver these programs and services in partnership with the Israel-based Atalef Foundation, a leading Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1984. The Atalef (“Bat”) Foundation has created and piloted many first-of-their-kind programs for Israeli soldiers and veterans.

Learn about our Programs.

AFINS’ dual-mission is to: 1) strengthen the State of Israel through our support of the Israel Navy SEALs, and 2) strengthen the connection between the United States’ Jewish community and Israel.

Financial contributions by our board of directors more than cover the cost of organizational overhead so that 100% of contributions made by every other member of our community go directly to programs for Israel Navy SEALs and unit support personnel, their families and all those we reach through SEAL volunteerism.

No. We also have programs engaging Israel Navy SEALs as volunteers with members of many other segments of Israeli society, from youth to military veterans from across the Israel Defense Forces.

In 2023, our programs engaged 1,100 SEAL community volunteers in serving 7,320 total people inside and outside of the Israel Navy SEAL community.

Explore our programs.

Our greatest need is financial contributions to fund the many programs and services we and the Atalef Foundation provide. Tax-deductible contributions can be made by individuals, foundations and companies here.

We can also apply for recommended grant opportunities and are happy to discuss corporate sponsorship / partnership opportunities including unique opportunities to engage with and learn from the Israel Navy SEAL community.

We also deeply appreciate in-kind offers of venues, catering and other event-related resources. We encourage you to join our e-mail list and attend events in order to meet and mingle in the U.S. with Israel Navy SEALs and spouses, and with the veterans of other units who have benefited from SEAL volunteerism.

Yes, AFINS is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tax-ID 20-5916414, and contributions are tax-deductible.

You may contribute:

• using a credit card at www.afins.us/donate

• by check made payable to “AFINS” and mailed to:
  AFINS
  PO Box 20080
  New York, NY 10001

• By wire or ACH. Please contact us for this info at info@afins.us
  
  Thank you in-advance for your support!