Supporting Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

Some 600 leaders from Long Island will get together for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces annual IDF appreciation dinner on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success to salute the men and women who serve in the Israeli army.

A diverse group of individuals are set to speak, including a FIDF Impact! scholarship recipient, who college education is sponsored by Long Islanders; Sgt. Mishel, a Christian Arab-Israeli paramedic, who treats victims of the Syrian War; and a woman sergeant who is a lone soldier from Bolivia and serves in the IDF’s artillery corps. Lone soldiers are personnel serving in the IDF who do not have immediate family in Israel.

The IDF’s diversity will be celebrated at the dinner. Ninety-two percent of jobs in the Israeli military are open to women, with some 1,500 women drafted to combat roles every year, while LGBT soldiers serve openly. The IDF boasts representation from all of Israel’s religions, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze, and foreign-born men and women from 80 countries around the world serve as lone soldiers.

Sivan Bar-Or, the widow of Maj. Tzafrir Bar-Or, who commanded a special operations reconnaissance unit in the IDF’s elite Golani Brigade, will also speak. The major was killed in battle during 2014’s Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. Other distinguished guests will include FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; and Long Island Director Liron Kreitman.

“This event gives our community the chance to meet and celebrate the brave soldiers —Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze — who defend Israel and Jews around the world,” said FIDF National Board Member and Long Island Chairman Ronny Ben Josef. “It’s an amazing way for supporters to learn more about the tremendous impact FIDF’s programs have, and to truly connect with some of the people who benefit from those programs.”

Chairing the dinner is Edeed Ben Josef. Longtime supporters Rachel and Howard Hershenhorn, Freddi and Harvey Kadden, and Amy and Marc Puntus will be recognized for their dedication to the IDF. Michelle Ahdoot will serve as master of ceremonies.

Proceeds will benefit the FIDF’s well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers. For more information or to support FIDF,
go to https://fidf.org/LIGala16.