Unbroken 2026 charity poker tournament raises over ILS 650,000 for IDF Widows & Orphans

Held on May 18, 2026, the event attracted 235 players and more than 400 attendees, making it the largest Unbroken event to date, setting a new fundraising record for the initiative and establishing itself as one of the largest charity poker events ever held in Israel.

Thanks to the Shalem Fund, founded by Ory Weihs and Anna Meissner, which covered all event production costs, 100% of tournament buy-ins, player donations and corporate sponsorship contributions were directed to the IDFWO.

Founded by gaming industry veterans Ory Weihs and Doron Ziony, together with Anna Meissner, Unbroken was created around a simple idea: leveraging the power of poker, the gaming industry and the broader business community to generate meaningful support for important causes.

Commenting on the event, Wiehs said: "One of our core objectives was ensuring that every possible shekel raised would reach the families supported by the IDF Widows & Orphans Organisation.”

“Thanks to the support of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the Shalem Fund covering the event's costs, every tournament buy-in, sponsorship, and donation had maximum impact. Unbroken demonstrates what can happen when the poker community, gaming industry, and broader business community come together around a cause that matters."

Shlomi Nahumson, IDFWO CEO, added: “Every shekel raised through this event directly supports widows, orphans, and families who have paid the highest price in service to the State of Israel. Beyond the fundraising itself, seeing hundreds of people come together in solidarity sends an important message to our families: they are not alone."

Industry and corporate support

A key factor behind the event's success was the support of companies and individuals from across the gaming, technology and business sectors.

The event received support from a diverse group of corporate partners, including gaming and technology companies such as World Gaming, Playtika, Plarium and Natural Intelligence, alongside some of Israel's leading businesses. Supporters included major insurance groups The Phoenix and Harel, telecommunications provider Partner Communications, retail and fashion leader FOX Group, technology companies, entrepreneurs and private donors who collectively helped make the event's record-breaking fundraising result possible.

Support from the global poker community

Since its inception, Unbroken and its predecessor charity poker initiatives have received support from some of the most recognisable names in the poker world, including Isai Scheinberg, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, Ari Engel and Eli Elezra.

Their participation and support over the years have helped demonstrate the willingness of the global poker community to rally behind meaningful charitable causes and contribute to initiatives benefiting the families served by the IDFWO.

Personal testimonies

One of the most impactful parts of the evening came from the personal stories shared by families supported by the IDFWO.

Attendees heard from Revital Ben Yaakov, widow of Lior Ben Yaakov, who was killed while defending civilians during the October 7 attacks, and Sivan Ganon, widow of Meishar Maor Ganon, who lost his life in the Carmel Forest disaster. Their speeches, together with remarks from Nahumson, left the room in complete silence and served as a powerful reminder of the cause behind the event.

Event highlights

• More than 235 players
• Over 400 attendees
• More than ₪650,000 net raised
• Largest Unbroken event to date
• 100% of buy-ins, sponsorships and donations directed to the IDFWO
• Funds raised in support of widows, orphans and families of Israel's fallen security personnel

Among the poker personalities attending the event were:

• Eyal "Casias" Eshkar
• Matan Krakow (EPT Prague Champion)
• Oshri Lahmani

The event was also attended by prominent figures from Israel's business and public sectors, including:

• Eytan Stibbe
• Avi Gabbay, CEO of Partner Communications
• Ofir Ehrlich, Founder & CEO of EON, who also won the tournament
• Alon Gonen, entrepreneur and investor
• Meni Malka
• Guri Alfi

Support for the IDFWO can still be made through the Unbroken donation page.