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Federation Star
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
November 2023
12,000 join race to memorialize Israel’s fallen Druze soldiers Israel’s minister of defense and IDF chief of staff among event participants
L
avi Forest, Israel (Sept. 22, 2023) – In honor of fallen Druze soldiers who lost their lives fighting in Israel’s wars and military operations, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, were among 12,000+ Israelis (including 6,000 IDF soldiers) who participated in the 9th Unity Race. The event was initiated by the association “Bishvil Habanim” and sponsored by Friends of the IDF (FIDF), AFIS, Ha’aguda Lema’an Hachayal, the host council (Lower Galilee Regional Council, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Culture and Sports) and the Druze Beit Labanim. The goal was to showcase the contributions of the Druze community to Israeli society, to stimulate a multicultural discourse and create connections between the different communities in Israel. Starting in the Lavi Forest in the Lower Galilee near Nabi Shu'ayb (the most sacred site to Druze), the race included 10k and 5k runs as well as a 3k public walk and a 25k bike ride. The founder of the event, Brigadier General (res.) Amal Asad, invited the general public to take part: “In the days of division and rift in our nation, this event, which is an active commemoration project in memory of the fallen Druze fighters, is a unifying event and holds a
great value to the entire society in Israel. Especially during this period, I call on the people of Israel to come to a show of solidarity, to express sympathy and support for the members of the bereaved families and to get to know the members of the Druze community and their ways of life." During the event, thousands of visitors enjoyed traditional Druze cuisine, and took part in sports and other activities organized for participants of all ages. At the culmination of the race, there was a festive ceremony attended by families of bereaved soldiers and senior officers from the security forces. “FIDF is proud to take part in this meaningful yearly event held in remembrance of 492 fallen Druze soldiers who lost their lives while defending the state of Israel,” said General (Res.) Yehiel Gozal, FIDF executive director, Israel operations. “Druze soldiers are a critical part of the IDF, and we support those serving in all units, offering a range of programs and services to ensure their needs are met.” The Druze religious community is spread mainly across Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Israel’s Druze population
Photo credit: Sportphotography
numbers about 150,000 with most members proudly serving in the IDF and security forces. In recognition of the community’s longstanding and ongoing service to the safety and security of Israel, FIDF — in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and thanks to a donation from Haim and Cheryl Saban — is funding a 25,000-square-foot Druze Heritage Center in the town of Kisra-Sumei (northern Galilee), which will house a wealth of resources for the Druze community, including youth, active-duty soldiers and veterans. It will include, among other
things, courses for active-duty soldiers and accommodations for the length of the courses, a conference hall, a heritage room, a large backyard for activities and events and a venue for preparation for IDF service. Released soldiers will be able to take advantage of the academic preparation courses provided at the center, ensuring that they can fulfill their dreams of higher education. They can also visit the center for gatherings of reserve units, meetings for groups of released soldiers and employment fairs.
Join the Christian & Jewish communities of SW Florida, as together, we demonstrate our love and support for the Covenant Land of Israel and her children. Consulate General of Israel Maor Elbaz-Starinsky and Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings will be speaking to promote esteem and understanding that we hold in common as believers in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Come share this memorable evening with us!
Covenant with Israel Celebration Monday, November 13 29 Cheshvan 7 PM Florida Gulf Coast University Cohen Ballroom 11090 FGCU Blvd N Fort Myers, FL 33965
Seating is limited
RSVP at CovenantWithIsrael.com
or call 239-274-8881 for more info No Charge, an offering will be taken
Maor Elbaz-Starinsky Consul General of Israel Keynote Speaker Maor Elbaz-Starinsky is the Consul General of Israel in Miami. A career diplomat since 2006, Maor is building and strengthening partnerships and coalitions for Israel with people and governments of Florida, Puerto Rico, and other states in the nation. Maor works together with the large and influential Jewish and Israeli communities in Florida, promoting interfaith cooperation and combating Antisemitism and racism.
Robert Stearns Founder, Eagles Wings’ Robert Stearns, a visionary leader is the founder of Eagles Wings’. Robert is cochairman of the prayer initiative “Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem”, promoting right understanding and relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. Interacting with Jewish and Evangelical leaders, Robert’s goal is to bring Evangelicals to better understand and pray for the historical, biblical, religious, and political issues surrounding God’s Holy Land and all who live there.
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