FIDF Miami chapter honors IDF heroes and local supporters at annual signature event

Night of Hope and Heroes” features surprise visit from Miami Lone Solider

Miami, FL (March 9, 2023) – At a time when antisemitism is rampant and support for Israel and the IDF is challenged, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), an organization dedicated to the well-being of the soldiers of Israel, brought together members of the Miami community in a strong show of solidarity for the brave young men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Close to 1,000 local IDF supporters gathered in March at the Diplomat Hollywood Beach Resort for the FIDF Greater Miami Chapter Signature Event, “A Night of Hope and Heroes,” to honor the chapter’s most generous members and Israel’s courageous heroes.

Gala chairs Jason and Elise Morjain welcomed the crowd and reinforced that Israel’s very existence depends on its soldiers who swear to protect Israel at any cost, and it’s the responsibility of Jews everywhere to make sure they succeed.

“Israel is more than just a country, it's an insurance policy for Jewish people all over the world, and tonight we’re here to pay the premium for our insurance policy,” said Jason. He mentioned the evening’s honorees: Ann and Ari Deshe and Young Leadership Award recipient, Michael Tabacinic, exceptional supporters of the soldiers who continue to put their lives on the line for us every day.

Sgt. Nehora; Sam Moshe, FIDF Miami President; Fred Gluckman, FIDF Chairman; Dr. Nily Falic, FIDF Chairman Emeritus; LTC. Moran Goldstein; Capt. Itai; Steve Weil, FIDF CEO. Credit: Courtesy of FIDF

Two inspiring active-duty soldiers shared their stories. Captain Itai spoke to guests about his background and the driving force behind his service as a Naval Commander. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, Capt. Itai joined the Naval Academy and was eventually promoted to command a Naval Patrol Battleship, charged with securing the southern maritime border along the Gaza Strip and playing an active role in Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021. Itai participated in FIDF’s Witnesses in Uniform Delegation to Poland and benefited from several FIDF-funded projects on his base. He shared how FIDF has impacted the lives of his soldiers, including an IMPACT! scholarship recently awarded to a former soldier from Ethiopia that paid for his education, rent and food, so he was able to study and support his family.

Sgt. Nehorah shared her background and some of her experiences in service, including an attack at the Temple Mount that almost left her paralyzed. Her partner was suddenly assaulted by a terrorist, and in trying to defend him, she was stabbed multiple times, both in her head and hand. A yeshiva rabbi luckily neutralized the attacker and Nehorah and her partner were rushed to the hospital for surgery. After six months of physical therapy and recovery, Nehorah returned to service in May and received a Medal of Distinguished Service. She expressed her thanks to FIDF for its ongoing support, including the donation of a clubhouse to her unit.

Military attaché LTC Moran Goldstein was another featured guest at the event, as well as Miami Lone Soldier Mendel Waks, who made an emotional surprise while his family was in attendance. Mendel is one of 39 Lone soldiers from the Miami community currently serving in the IDF.

Miami Board President, Sam Moshe, expressed the incredible support from the FIDF Miami chapter in 2022 including the donation of a synagogue, sports field and sports center, adoption of a brigade and more than four dozen new IMPACT! scholarships.

Former Miami Board President Oscar Feldenkreis reminded guests that while there are many important and impactful Israel-related causes, “For those of us who love Israel and are committed to the Jewish homeland, FIDF must be the priority – because without a strong IDF, Israel would not last one day – there would be no Israel.”