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Community gathered in support of emergency funding for IDF soldiers
Cpl. Ori Megidish, a hostage rescued by IDF soldiers, delivered a special, emotional address.
Courtesy of Friends of the IDF
Miami, FL (Feb. 25, 2024) – More than 1,300 Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters gathered in Miami Thursday night at The Diplomat Beach Resort in a strong show of solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on the frontlines who are risking their lives to restore security in Israel after the Oct. 7 massacre and ongoing attacks perpetrated by Hamas and Hezbollah.
The 2024 FIDF Miami Am Yisrael Chai Forever Solidarity Dinner was transformed into a solidarity gathering in the wake of the Hamas attacks, where the Jewish community could show support for Israel’s soldiers during their greatest time of need. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event, and donations to FIDF since the start of the war, are going toward emergency humanitarian needs of IDF soldiers. So far, more than $73 million has been transferred to the IDF to meet their most urgent requests.
The evening included a special performance by Bar Markovitch, Former IDF musician and award-winning violinist.
The event was attended by two soldiers from IDF's special forces units. Major (Res.) Yadin, a soldier in Sayeret Matkal, one of the IDF’s most elite special forces units, received an urgent call at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 summoning him to immediately deploy with his team. Within an hour, Major Yadin and his fellow commandos were on a daring rescue mission to save hostages at kibbutzim in the South. He was joined by Sgt. J, a lone soldier from Miami who serves in the elite Duvdevan Unit.
Perhaps the most emotional part of the evening was when Cpl. Ori Megidish, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza and rescued by IDF soldiers two months ago, delivered an emotional address.
“Hamas kidnapped me on Oct. 7 from Nahal Oz. They murdered my closest friends and many others. I was there for 23 days, which felt like years,” Megidish said.
“My friends are still there, held among women, children, sick people and the elderly, while their family members all await their return. Despite my pain, loneliness and fear, while I was there, I had hope [that] I'd be rescued. I pray that my friends who are still being held hostage have that same hope.” She concluded her speech by saying, “I was saved from the horrors of being held hostage by Hamas, and for that I’ll forever be grateful. With your support, we will — and we must — keep going. Together, we will win. Am Israel Chai. Forever.”
FIDF is the single organization in the United States designated by the IDF and authorized to raise funds for its soldiers. FIDF acts according to the requirements of the IDF's manpower directorate to respond to the most urgent requests. Funds raised at the event will go toward lifesaving medical supplies such as ambulances, plasma, medical devices and field hospitals as well as hygiene kits and aid for bereaved families suffering the loss of a loved one. As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers.
“At the frontline of defense are Israel’s courageous soldiers, bearing witness to heinous crimes and facing unimaginable challenges. As a veteran of the IDF elite unit, Duvdevan, I know what it takes to fight in a place like Gaza,” said FIDF National Board Member and FIDF Miami Board President Sam Moshe. “The brutal, barbaric acts of hatred committed against Israeli civilians are unthinkable, and IDF soldiers are facing an unprecedented and harrowing conflict, making our support for them more vital than ever before.”
Donations can be made at www. fidf.org.
