28
Federation Star
February 2021
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
Boston native makes history as first American woman to graduate Israeli Air Force’s pilot course
B
e’er Sheva, Israel, December 23, 2020 – Three years ago, 500 ambitious cadets entered the very prestigious Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilot course. Today, only 39 graduated in a special ceremony on the Hatzerim Airbase in the Negev, near Be’er Sheva. Among the graduates was Boston native Lt. O (21), one of only two women graduating from the course this year. Lt. O is the first American woman to graduate from the IAF’s pilot course and will serve as an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Flight Engineer. Lt. O is a member of a small group of women who have completed the IAF pilot course. Women have only gained access to this prestigious IAF course in the last 25 years. Lt. O, who serves as a Lone Soldier, one who joins the IDF with no immediate family in Israel, is the daughter of a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) New England employee. FIDF provides guidance and support to Lone Soldiers from all over the world, including
demonstrates how one person can secure a future for the broader Jewish community. From all of us in Boston, Mazel Tov and thank you – we are so proud!” said FIDF New England Executive Director Luba Loewenberg.
About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):
Like her older sister, Lt. O graduated from Brookline High School a year early. After a short gap year at 17, in which she backpacked through Central America, she went to Israel and took the IAF’s qualifying exams. Lt. O’s father was a fighter navigator in the IAF. “In addition to making history today, it’s important to remember that Lt. O was not obligated to serve in the IDF but chose to become a Lone Soldier in order to protect Israel. Lt. O
FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c)(3) notfor-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. Today, FIDF has 25 chapters throughout the United States. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org.
Masha Pearl with survivors receiving a care package
Andy Cohen hosts a Blue Card event.
“In Naples we work very closely with the Naples Senior Center to make sure the special needs of survivors are ideally met. That includes a broad spectrum of grants, not just for essentials, such as food, transportation and medical aid, but also for services including housekeeping, home repairs, and homecare post-hospitalizations. We even make birthdays extra special with little gifts to lift the spirits of our beneficiaries.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, survivors and their families have especially been affected by the dangers of isolation. “We needed to address this issue, including the increased loneliness and anxiety,” says Pearl, adding, “We are thrilled to have LifeStation (http://www. lifestation.com) as our partner to provide remote care services. By utilizing their products and services, our members can maintain their independence longer, remain in their own homes, and better share their health and wellness needs with those dedicated to their care. Through this partnership, our members can engage with a proactive system designed to put their medical and emotional needs first.” Part of the service is receiving an alarm device that the person in need can
activate to call an ambulance in case of an emergency. A 24/7 customer care team provides teleconferences with experts in four languages, through its website. In addition, Blue Card volunteers send uplifting messages, sing a song or read for members in need. The teletherapy service also makes check-in calls to Holocaust survivors to determine if they have any urgent requirements for food or medicine and to remind them that, with LifeStation and Blue Card, they are not alone. As a result of its robust service to those most in need, Blue Card has been highly praised among politicians and across the diverse media landscape. It is eager to get the word out that they are there to help. Given that that the U.S. — like so many other countries — is dealing with another wave of COVID-19 right now, The Blue Card wants to ensure that those in need get the appropriate help. Of course, this stellar charity also wants to engage those who are able to support them, be it via donations or volunteer work. For more information, please visit www.bluecardfund.org.
Photo credit: IAF flights to visit family and friends in their countries of origin; a 24-hour call center for soldiers and their parents; grants and financial assistance; holiday gift packages and vouchers; Shabbat and holiday meals; social networks and gatherings for soldiers and parents; post-service scholarships to those eligible; fun and recreation days; and soldiers’ homes throughout Israel. Currently, about 1,000 Lone Soldiers from the United States are serving in the IDF.
Blue Card fund By Nadja Atwal
E
ven in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic keeps impacting our lives, its limitations of mask wearing and social distancing have mutated into plain loneliness for many. As data has shown, our seniors need extra protection from this unpredictable virus, and Holocaust survivors are especially impacted by the repercussions of the recent months. Founded in Germany in 1934, and reestablished in the United States in 1939, The Blue Card’s mission is to provide direct financial assistance to needy Holocaust survivors in the U.S. Many survivors came to this country after World War II and worked in menial jobs. The small pensions from those jobs,
social security and Medicaid simply cannot keep up with the financial needs of these seniors. Blue Card has distributed nearly $40 million to survivors to date, with 100% of annual contributions made by individuals going directly to survivors. Financial assistance is available on a monthly basis for most basic needs, as well as for emergencies, such as medical and dental care, special equipment, rent and utility shut-offs. “The organization’s health precautionary services allow survivors to avoid institutionalization and remain in their homes for as long as possible,” says executive director Masha Pearl.
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