38
Federation Star
December 2023
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD / ORGANIZATIONS
Nearly 700 community members gather in support of emergency funding for IDF soldiers “Fauda” stars Yaakov Zada Daniel and Meirav Shirom attended event
N
ewton, MA (Oct. 25, 2023) — On an October evening, close to 700 Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters joined stars of Netflix’s “Fauda,” Yaakov Zada Daniel and Meirav Shirom, at Temple Emanuel 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 horrendous massacre that occurred on Oct. 7, and the ongoing attacks perpetrated by Hamas. The event had been scheduled as the FIDF New England 2023 Soldier Tribute in celebration of Israel’s 75 years of independence. However, in the wake of the attacks, it was transformed into a solidarity gathering 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 the emergency humanitarian needs of IDF soldiers. So far, more than $30 million has been transferred to the
IDF to meet their most urgent requests for its soldiers. The event included a special briefing from the ground with former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (Res.) Aviv Kohavi and words of solidarity and hope from “Fauda’s” Meirav Shirom and Yaakov Zada Daniel, who was the recipient of an FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship after his IDF service which covered the cost of his university education. VIP attendees included Consul General of Israel to New England, Ambassador Meron Reuben and Deputy Consul General, Irit Yakhnes; FIDF National Board Chair, Morey Levovitz; FIDF National Board President and New England Board Member, Marc Perlman; FIDF New England Board Chair and National Board Member, Sharon Mishkin; and FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil. Award-winning violinist Bar Markovich performed at the event. FIDF is the single organization in the United States designated by the IDF that is authorized to raise funds for its
Arline R. Kaplan, PhD
Consul General of Israel to New England, Ambassador Meron Reuben Photo credit: Eric Haynes, Courtesy of FIDF
soldiers, and 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 the thousands of bereaved families who are 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.
“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,” said FIDF CEO Steve Weil. “At the frontline of defense are Israel’s soldiers, bearing witness to heinous crimes and facing unimaginable challenges. They need to know that we, as a global community, are firmly there for them.”
PSYCHOLOGIST, LICENSED IN NEW YORK STATE SINCE 1992
COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH
SPECIALIZING IN Recovery from grief and loss Relationship issues Anxiety and Depression
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Our Collier/Lee Hadassah has stood strong
OVER 40 YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE PhD, Temple University, School of Psychoeducational Processes Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis Hahnemann University Hospital, Neuropsychology internship and fellowship Co-facilitator: Bereavement Group, Temple Shalom Synagogue, Naples
Joyce Toub
PRIVATE OFFICE IN NORTH NAPLES The first step is the hardest. Reach out, contact me and we will work together to improve your life. I believe in the power of connection and the power of words, and you are welcome whether your issues are large or small.
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accepted the position as president of Collier/Lee Hadassah in the summer of 2020 when COVID was first beginning, and no one had any idea what the next several years would bring. Yet, through the pandemic, our chapter stood strong. After I assumed the presidency in January 2021 on a Zoom installation, Collier/Lee Hadassah managed to sustain and reach heights we never thought we would be able to achieve via Zoom and, more recently, in person. We’ve offered educational programs as well as entertaining programs. We also began our “Inspiring Women” program. Now entering its third year, we honor women who are doing wonders in our community. I began that January 2021 message showing my gratitude for so many Jewish institutions that were endearing to me. Today, I am especially thankful to my Collier/Lee Hadassah board members for the jobs they have undertaken these past three years! (Board positions last a year
or two, yet they all agreed to stay on for that third year!) Tragically, we are now faced with the unimaginable nightmare that began on Oct. 7 with the most gruesome invasion in Israel’s history. National Hadassah invites you to do a mitzvah and donate so that Hadassah hospitals can purchase the resources they need. During the first week of this war, there was mention of a 30-day hospital supply being used in the field in just one day! Do your share; consider making a gift. Together, we can help the victims of the war recover, rebuild their infrastructure and provide hope as we look to the future. Please remember how each of us can make a difference! In closing, I want to extend my gratitude to all of the members and supporters who make Collier/Lee Hadassah so successful. I am so thankful in this Thanksgiving/Hanukkah season for your continuous support. Please join us as we welcome the new board that will be installed at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Jan. 8. Sign up when you see the registration form in Hadassah Happenings. The theme is “Brunch and Broadway” and the Naples Players Readers Theatre Road Show will perform. I hope to see you soon!
