South Shore FIDF event raises over $350,000

More than $350,000 was raised at the third annual Five Towns and Greater South Shore Friends of the Israel Defense Forces dinner and program attended at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst on May 28.
Benefiting IDF soldiers, especially “lone soldiers,” the money supports a wide array of wellbeing and educational programs for the men and women serving in the IDF. Lone soldiers are those who come from other countries or are without family support.
At the event, which was a tribute to lone soldiers, Lawrence native David Golombeck, who serves in the Netzach, Yehuda Battalion, surprised his family with a visit home. Other soldiers shared their stories with the more than 500 people in attendance. Lawrence resident and prominent criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman was the master of ceremonies for the third year.
Through the FIDF’S Adopt-A-Program, the Five Towns and Greater South Shore community supports the Givati Brigade. In addition to the money raised at the dinner, separate efforts garnered $100,000 for lone soldiers who left their native country to go to Israel and joined the IDF, and another $152,000 was collected for the Spiritual Needs Program, which helps soldiers celebrate their heritage and Jewish traditions.
All of the funds raised for the Spiritual Needs Program will be matched dollar for dollar.