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Federation Star
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
October 2020
FIDF announces appointment of new CEO
F
CREDIT: MINT MEDIA
riends of the Israel CEO, along with an IDF general Defense Forces (FIDF) to strengthen fundraising efforts. announced the apWeil will develop FIDF in pointment of Steven Weil the long term and build upon its as its new National Director vital position within the American and CEO to head the chariphilanthropic community. He table organization beginning will oversee the 501(c)(3) notSeptember 16, 2020. He will for-profit, as it continues to grow Steven Weil succeed Maj. Gen. (Res.) its infrastructure, both nationally Meir Klifi-Amir, who has led FIDF for and locally around the U.S. and Panama, six years of unprecedented organizasolidifying the strong foundation it has tional expansion. developed over the past 39 years, with Under Maj. Gen. (Res.) Klifi-Amir’s the mission of supporting education leadership, FIDF has experienced expoand well-being programs for the soldiers nential growth. It expanded its fundraisof the IDF. ing capabilities, opened new chapters Particularly suited for this position, around the U.S., and raised more than Weil comes to FIDF following an 11-year $570 million between 2015-2019. True to tenure at the Orthodox Union (OU). He its mission, FIDF was able to increase its attended Yeshiva University, concurrently well-being support for the Israel Defense completing his ordination at the Rabbi Forces (IDF) soldiers, helping 114% more Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary soldiers than in years prior. (REITS) and receiving a master’s degree In light of this, FIDF’s lay leaders idenin Business Administration from NYU’s tified the need to modify the structure Stern School of Business. of the organization’s executive office and He began his career in education extend the scope of both management and before moving on to pulpit work, first fundraising operations. To further deepen in Oak Park, Michigan and then in FIDF’s philanthropic roots within the local Beverly Hills, California. In both locacommunity and allow for a prolonged tions, he significantly built and expanded tenure of the CEO, FIDF’s Board has his congregations and instituted prodecided to appoint an American-based grams to unify and impact the broader
community. He subsequently assumed the position of senior managing director of the OU, where he spearheaded its institutional advancement and community engagement efforts. Weil is a sought-after speaker and educator, and has given invocations for presidents, governors and other senior elected officials. He is deeply passionate about the State of Israel, Jewish continuity and the vital role Israel’s soldiers play in guaranteeing its future. Weil resides in New Jersey with his wife and is a proud father and grandfather. “I’d like to thank Maj. Gen. (Res.) Klifi-Amir for his tremendous leadership over the last six years. His efforts have brought this organization to new levels, and inspired thousands to contribute to FIDF’s essential mission,” said Rabbi Peter Weintraub, FIDF’s National Chairman. “We are thrilled to welcome Steven Weil to the FIDF family as National Director and CEO, where he will channel his skills in institutional advancement as well as his vast experience in the Jewish community to support Israel and its heroic guardians, the men and women of the IDF.” “It is the greatest honor to join the FIDF family of lay leaders and
professionals who have committed their lives to looking after the IDF soldiers,” said Weil. “FIDF, through educational and well-being initiatives, enables these courageous young men and women, who invest years of their lives to protect Israel, to serve proudly and guarantee the future of Israel and the Jewish people.”
About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) 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 more than 150,000 loyal supporters and 24 chapters throughout the United States and Panama. 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
Jewish National Fund-USA goes virtual for 2020 National Conference
J
ewish National Fund-USA’s (JNFUSA) 2020 National Conference will, for the first time, be held virtually, announced the organization’s National President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram. Slated for October 18–23, 2020, JNFUSA’s Virtual National Conference will continue to serve as the organization’s premier planning and celebratory event. This year’s conference will again feature a substantive program, with a focus on how JNF-USA is impacting Israel’s present and future, all available from the comfort of participants’ own homes. “As it does so ably and efficiently, Jewish National Fund-USA is making the best of the current situation and following through on its promises to Israel, its people and our partners,” said Lizerbram. “This will be a great opportunity to review our tremendous accomplishments
and shift our focus on successfully achieving the goals of 2021.” Featured topics and discussions will focus on how JNF-USA is helping Israel shape itself as the food and culinary capital of the world; the tremendous strides JNF-USA is making to support Israel’s role as a leader in global food, energy and water security; a behind-the-scenes look at the worldwide impact of the training international students receive at the Arava International Center for Agriculture Training; and much more. “The Virtual National Conference will be an opportunity to reflect on the past year, share how we pivoted with the times and continued to deliver on our promises to the land and people of Israel, and lay out the foundation for our vision for the upcoming year,” said David Braverman, Co-President of the JNF-USA Naples Board of Directors.
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“Next year, we hope to see everyone in Israel for JNF-USA’s 2021 National Conference!” Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2020 Virtual National Conference at levels from $500–$25,000. “This is a significant time and a wonderful opportunity to show your support for Israel,” said Anthony Solomon, CoPresident of the JNF-USA Naples Board of Directors. “Those who sponsor the 2020 Virtual National Conference will get a two-forone deal and receive recognition at the 2021 Conference in Israel as well. Our vital work in Israel continues despite the challenging times, and our vision for the future is bigger than ever.”
Registration for Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2020 Virtual National Conference is now open at jnf.org/virtualnc. Jewish National Fund-USA is offering a complimentary registration Zoom spot to members of its World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society, Negev Society, and those who have registered for the 2021 National Conference in Israel. For more information about the National Conference, contact Amy Fass, Director of National Events, at afass@ jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x804. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Glen Schwartz, Executive Director, National Major Donor Relations, at gschwartz@ jnf.org or 212-879-9305 x880.
