For more information please contact the FIDF office at |
312-372-8500 or chicago@israelsoldiers.org
____________________________________________________ Central Region IMPACT! Mission to Israel
LEGACY: a Midwest summer experience
for children and siblings of fallen soldiers
Behind every soldier that falls in defense of the State of Israel, there are parents, siblings, children, and other family members whose lives have been changed forever.
For children celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah without the presence of their loved-one, the struggle is often harder.
The LEGACY program was created to help them through this difficult time by bringing them to the United States to participate in summer camps.
To learn more about how you can help the Central Region bring children from bereaved families to the Midwest in Summer 2010, CLICK HERE or contact 312.372.8500.
Central Region Executive Committee Maurice Sanderman, Chairman John Lowenstein, President Jorde Nathan, Vice-President Steve Hefter, Secretary/Treasurer
Al Brody
Mark Schneider
Professional Staff: Adina Y. Torchman, Executive Director Julie Levine Rubin, Director of Programs and Operations Allyson Becker, Development Coordinator Kat Nagasawa, Business Manager Lila Miller, Development Coordinator Mellonese Hayes, Bookkeeper
Friends of the IDF
Central Region
29 E. Madison, Suite 802
Chicago, IL 60602
This March, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Central Region hosted IDF Combat Soldiers Ido Katz and Adi Gigi. Sari Klein, Women’s Brigade Chairwoman and her husband Jim, welcomed 43 friends into their home for dinner and conversation with the two brave soldiers who recently fought on the front lines in Operation Cast Lead. Young Leadership Campaign Chairman Tom Kane invited friends and colleagues for a luncheon in at his office downtown. Board Member Jeff Aeder, his wife Jennifer Levine and their four children spent the afternoon with Adi and Ido sightseeing and enjoying the beautiful early spring weather. Young Leadership Vice-President Adam Levy also spent time with them, exploring and eating famous Chicago-style food!
On March 10th, FIDF Young Leadership held their 3rd Annual Purim Party Eleven City Diner. The event was huge success with over 200 attendees. FIDF Young Leadership raised over $4,900 towards their four IMPACT! students.
Young Leadership Emergency
Campaign Event at Underground
Over 300 of Chicago’s best and brightest young leaders in the Jewish community came together at The Underground on January 15, 2009 to raise awareness for the crisis in Israel. Guest speaker and native Chicagoan IDF Soldier Dor Pintel spoke to the crowd and encouraged them to aid the soldiers of the IDF. Attendees responded by raising over $28,000 for FIDF Frontline Operation which was used to meet the immediate needs of the brave soldiers who fought during Operation Cast Lead.
Young Leadership 1st Annual Soldier Bowl
On December 25, 2009, 75 young leaders attended our First Annual Chanukah Soldier Bowl to benefit Israel’s soldiers. This event brought in nearly $5,000 that went towards the four IMPACT! scholarships supported by our young leader group. Everyone who attended had a great time and looks forward to next year’s event.
Annual Gala Dinner
On September 27, 2008 over 1,100 people gathered for the Central Region’s Gala Dinner, Celebrating Israel @ 60 and Honoring Arie Zweig. The event was held in the grand ballroom at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier. This illustrious event was co-chaired by Israel Levy and Craig Bernfield.
The evening’s main speaker was Major General Benjamin Gantz, Israeli Military Attaché to the United States and Canada. The evening concluded with several pieces by Hershey Felder, world renowned entertainer.
Mission Statement
The FIDF initiates and helps support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. The FIDF also provides support for the families of fallen soldiers.
Upcoming Events
The Long Island 4th Annual IDF Appreciation Evening
