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Federation Star
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
April 2022
Congregation welcomes hero of Surfside during FIDF Shabbaton A show of solidarity with IDF soldiers
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elray Beach, Florida (March 1, 2022) Anshei Emuna Congregation and Friends of the IDF (FIDF) held a special Shabbaton last weekend that featured a commander who was a critical part of the elite Israeli delegation integral to the emergency effort during the Surfside search and rescue mission. The unique weekend program in Delray Beach was led by FIDF chief executive officer Rabbi Steven Weil. The Shabbaton at Anshei Emuna Congregation featured a kiddush lunch on Saturday, followed by a special lecture titled, “Faces of the IDF: Meet the IDF Heroes Confronting Israel’s Greatest Challenges.” Anshei Emuna welcomed Rabbi Weil and Major Ofir, who serves as the company commander for officers professionally training in the IDF Search and Rescue unit. Ofir is a “Chief of Staff’s Excellency Award” recipient and was part of the elite Israeli delegation that volunteered during the Surfside search and rescue mission. Throughout the mission, FIDF representatives and volunteers stepped up
and provided critical support to Major Ofir and the IDF Search and Rescue Unit, including new rescue equipment, kosher food, and more. FIDF provided the unit with the warm care of extended family while they were far from home. “Whether in Israel or abroad, we are proud to provide support during the most Major Ofir lectures to local students during the Shabbaton in Delray Beach. difficult humanitarPhoto credit: Courtesy of FIDF ian crises,” said Major Ofir. “Working with the local rescue forces purpose and life-changing support with Major Ofir, whose team made at Surfside was an incredible experience for IDF soldiers who protect Israel and priceless contributions in a time of crisis because we got to connect Jews worldwide. to the Jewish community at Surfside.” with one another and learn “FIDF is privileged to partner with the According to Rabbi Jack Engel, the from one another. We expeAnshei Emuna Congregation in building spiritual leader of Congregation Anshei rienced this tragedy together the future of the Jewish world and the Emuna, “Being a modern orthodox and we are thankful to the future of Israel,” said Rabbi Weil. “We synagogue goes hand in hand with supFIDF for caring for us during appreciate the emotional, financial and porting Israel and the IDF. We were our stay.” moral support that the South Palm Beach honored to welcome Rabbi Steven Weil FIDF offers educational, culand Broward communities invest toward of FIDF and Major Ofir to our comtural, recreational and social prothe education and welfare of the IDF solmunity to express our support for the grams and facilities that provide hope, diers. I was humbled to share the podium well-being of the soldiers.”
Up close interviews with soldiers protecting Israel’s tense Syrian-Jordanian border ‘FIDF LIVE’ 18th episode
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ew York, NY (February 25, 2022) Tuesday’s episode of “FIDF LIVE,” a monthly program that is produced by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), featured up-close and personal interviews with the IDF Forces that protect Israeli civilians from tensions along the Israeli-Syrian-Jordanian border, known as the “Border Triangle.” The program, entitled “Israel’s Border Triangle with Syria and Jordan,” gave viewers the exclusive opportunity to get to know IDF first responders and learn how their various units deal with the
many threats aimed against them and Israel’s civilians. There are two states on Israel’s eastern border: Jordan, which maintains peaceful relations with Israel; and Syria, a country home to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations that pose consistent threats to the State of Israel. While the Jordanian border is relatively peaceful, there are frequent riots and terror attack attempts in nearby Judea and Samaria. The episode began with a briefing from Lt. Avi, Liaison Officer at the Golan Heights, responsible for diplomatic and strategic relations between Israel, Jordan
Candle lighting times April 2: 7:26 p.m. (Eve of Seventh day Passover)
April 3: 8:19 p.m. (Eve of Eighth day Passover)
April 9: 7:29 p.m. April 16: 7:33 p.m. April 23: 7:36 p.m. April 30: 7:40 p.m.
Courtesy of FIDF and Syria as well as the U.N. in the Golan Heights. The program also featured soldiers who serve on Mt. Hermon, shedding light on its unique geographical position that provides a strategic asset to the State of Israel. Finally, viewers had the opportunity to learn about the cooperation between the U.N. and the IDF directly from the strategic players who protect Jordan and Israel’s holy assets. This episode also shared interviews with three Lone Soldiers from North America: Cpl. Yonah from Cedarhurst, New York, and Pvt. Zac from Canada, who both serve in the 401 Armored Corps Brigade; and Lt. Tova from San Diego, who serves in the 137 Iron Dome Battalion. The viewers also had the opportunity to meet Sgt. Omer, a Combat Soldier at the Nahal Brigade, Cpl. Michal, Field Observer at 595 Unit (which is adopted by FIDF WCT Chapter), SSGT. Dani, SSGT. Inbar and Pvt. Anava from the
Lions of the Jordan Valley Battalion, which is adopted by FIDF Palm Beach, FL Chapter. The FIDF LIVE platform, hosted by American stand-up comedian and author Joel Chasnoff, is a high-level production broadcast that provides an incredible virtual alternative to in-person experiences and brings awareness of FIDF’s cause and activities to a broader audience. By introducing content through this platform, the FIDF is keeping the community’s connection with Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and this experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected. To watch the latest episode, go to https://www.fidf.org/fidflive/episode-18/. FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering educational, cultural, recreational and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fidf.org.
