ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
November 2020
Federation Star
27
Over $15 million raised at first-ever virtual FIDF National Gala Thousands of supporters from across the globe joined Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in saluting Israel’s brave soldiers and veterans at the first-ever virtual FIDF National Gala. Themed “A Night of Heroes,” the gala raised a total of over $15 million to support well-being and educational programs for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, with donations still being made. This FIDF initiative aimed to enable the global FIDF family to unite for an unprecedented night of giving and extraordinary solidarity, saluting Israel’s IDF protectors, despite the limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program featured several segments to honor IDF soldiers, including Lone Soldiers, who join the IDF with no immediate family in Israel. Among those being recognized at the gala was a female Black Hawk Pilot, Cpt. T., who participated in an opening segment called “Air, Land, and Sea,” in which active-duty soldiers took the audience on a dynamic and action-packed training mission. Another segment, focusing on one family’s multigenerational story, highlighted FIDF’s Witnesses in Uniform Program. The gala featured a live performance by global pop star and active IDF soldier, Noa Kirel, who recently signed a deal with Atlantic Records, the largest ever for an Israeli artist. Israeli singer-songwriter, Idan Raichel, also performed live, as
did the IDF Musical Ensemble, featurfor Life pledged $1 million, Or Lachayal soldiers in need, support for Lone Soldiers ing IDF soldier, Eden Alena, who will pledged $1 million, Momentum throughout their service and, upon represent Israel in the next Eurovision pledged $750,000, Genesis Philanrelease, crucial aid for wounded veterans Song Contest. thropy Group pledged $600,000, and and the families of fallen soldiers, weeks FIDF National Chairman Rabbi the Iranian American Jewish Federation of rest and recuperation for entire IDF Peter Weintraub and Israeli-Ameripledged $600,000. units, as well as educational, cultural and can actress, model and host, recreational facilities. The Moran Atias, presided as masters evening presented a rare “The great transformation of ceremonies. and exclusive opportunity of our people’s history took Other distinguished guests to pay tribute to the state who participated in the gala of Israel and its brave men place when the Jewish people included Israeli Prime Minister and women in uniform. restored the capacity to defend Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s To watch the full FIDF ourselves by ourselves.” Alternate Prime Minister and Virtual National Gala, visit Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. https://events.fidf.org/. (Res.) Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. In addition, notable among the gala’s About Friends of the Israel Aviv Kochavi, Founder and Chairman donations was a pledge from FIDF’s Defense Forces (FIDF) of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) ardent supporters, Cheryl and Haim FIDF was established in 1981 by a group Pastor John Hagee and President and Saban, who will match donations up of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c)(3) notCEO of The International Fellowship of to $500,000, and FIDF National Vice for-profit organization, with the mission of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) Yael President Marc Perlman and his wife, offering educational, cultural, recreational Eckstein. FIDF National Director and Claire, who will also match donations and social programs and facilities that CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir, up to $500,000. That is a total match of provide hope, purpose and life-changing who will be succeeded this month by $1 million, for which donations will be support for the soldiers who protect Israel incoming FIDF National Director, and ongoing post-gala. and Jews worldwide. Today, FIDF has CEO Steven Weil gave a farewell speech “I have no words to express my appremore than 150,000 loyal supporters and after six years of unprecedented organiciation to this big, huge and unique orga24 chapters throughout the United States zational growth. nization. I do not think that anywhere in and Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF “The great transformation of our the world there is another kind of ties and soldiers, families of fallen soldiers and people’s history took place when the organization like this. Thank you from wounded veterans through a variety of innoJewish people restored the capacity to the bottom of my heart,” said Kochavi. vative programs that reinforce the vital bond defend ourselves by ourselves. This is what Funds raised at the gala will provide between the communities in the United the IDF is all about,” said Netanyahu. much-needed and well-deserved serStates, the soldiers of the IDF and the state Among the major donations, Nefesh vices, such as academic scholarships to of Israel. For more information, please visit B’Nefesh pledged $1.3 million, Brothers combat veterans, financial assistance for www.fidf.org.
Don’t Miss the Opening Event! This hilarious and thought-provoking new book, from New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb, takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world, where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she). One day, Gottlieb is a therapist who helps patients in her Los Angeles practice. The next, a crisis causes her world to come crashing down. With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient. The book is a boldly revealing portrait of what it means to be human, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious lives and our power to transform them.
Featuring LORI GOTTLIEB THURSDAY, DEC. 3 at 7:30 PM
Lor in co i will be with nversati the lo Cary Bar on Thing cal host obor, s f and a Consider All ed r for W eporter GC U.
Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist who writes The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” advice column. She also writes for The New York Times and appears as a frequent expert on relationships and hot-button mental health topics on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN and NPR. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is in development for a television series at ABC. Registration fee is $18 To make a reservation, go to www.JewishBookFestival.org Platinum and Silver Book Festival Patrons receive a complimentary copy of Lori’s book.
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