FIDF :: Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

On Purim, March 10, 2009 the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Broward/Palm Beach Chapter held its First Annual Purim Casino Night in Boca Raton. The exciting affair brought out both young and young-at-heart for an evening of food, fun Vegas-styled games and many fantastic memories. The donors were joined by 30 Legacy Soldiers; whose effervescent spirit was contagious, adding spectacular atmosphere to the already stellar event. Event chair, Elissa Vessal, set the tone in her Purim costume and welcomed all to enjoy the games and to be sure to take the time to meet these amazing soldiers. The night was a special event that no one who attended will soon forget.

The Legacy Soldiers – Bereaved Families 2009 trip, co-sponsored by Broward/Palm Beach, Miami and National offices, began with a great trip to the Orlando home of Mickey Mouse. These 30 soldiers, especially chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime trip to help them overcome their loss with the love and support of the worldwide Jewish community as well as other fellow soldiers who experience similar feelings. They honored our Chapter with bright smiles and open hearts and one could feel the warmth of these young men and women when talking to them. We hope that our part of their journey helped show them the love and passion that we have for the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.

The Broward/Palm Beach County Chapter of the FIDF opened on May 21, 2002. Our office, located in Boca Raton serves all of south Florida except Miami/Dade County.

On May 21, 2002, our office opened on a shoestring budget with used and castaway furniture. By December 31, 2002, our fundraising efforts yielded $125,000. In 2004 our Chapter's campaign yielded $1 million. Last year our campaign reached $1.7 and our goal is to reach a $5 million Campaign year by 2010 and wider recognition of our organization, similar to our Chapters in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. In order to reach our goals we will need a strong volunteer force to help raise funds for the wellbeing of the Israeli soldiers in Israel by opening their homes to friends and family for parlor meetings and briefings.

Since we opened our doors in Boca Raton, we have brought many high level dignitaries to the Palm Beach area and every year we host the IDF Musical Ensemble. We have had soldiers of every branch, at every level address our community, presenting a first-hand look at how donations to the FIDF are life changing; whether it’s for scholarships for university or support of Lone Soldiers or any other program the FIDF runs.

Community leaders including the synagogue Rabbis, Day School Principals, Holocaust and Veterans Clubs, and Community Activists have helped us educate the community about the FIDF.

Through generous contributions we are supporting the soldiers and the widows and orphans of Israel. This year we are celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary with more events and greater enthusiasm than ever before!

FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES
HONOR SOLDIERS SEEKING HIGHER EDUCATION

Palm Beach County, Florida September 11, 2008

Two Israeli Soldiers awarded educational scholarships from the Friends of the Israel Defense Force traveled from Israel to Palm Beach County this week to discuss the importance of educating Israeli Soldiers who successfully finished military service in the Israeli Army. This year the Friends of the IDF IMPACT scholarship program provided over 2300 scholarships to disadvantaged socio-economic soldiers wanting to get a post high school education.

“The soldiers are our insurance. If you believe in insurance, you have to invest in the soldiers because they are doing everything to protect us and it is our turn to protect them." Richard Kwal, co-president of the Boca Chapter of the FIDF said after the soldiers spoke in Boca Raton on Sunday.

The two visiting Israeli soldiers, Iila Turkot and Shani Nizre study law in separate Israeli universities. “The FIDF gave me the option to get an education and a brighter future. I hope that someday I will be able to give educational opportunities to others when I become a Israeli lawyer. “In Israel government financial aid for college is not available and if not for the FIDF, I would have been denied my true desire for education.” Ilia Turkot said. Ilia served as a combat soldier in the elite Golani Brigade and is now top in his law school class with expected graduation of May, 2009.

Shani Nizre is in her first year of law school. “The Impact scholarship is wonderful gift that has made my dreams come true.” she stated. “I never realized that so many Americans care about us so deeply while we are protecting Israel,” Nizre said. Both students have a bitter sweet return home to Israel today. They are looking forward to starting their school year in Israel, but wish they had a longer time to meet with their American supporters in South Florida.

For Additional information on the Friends of the Israel Defense Force or the Impact scholarship, please contact Michael Hadar, Executive Director, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (561) 483-2771 or Email Boca@israelsoldiers.org.

In November 2006 we dedicated the Recreational Facility at Ashdod, a multipurpose building that will consist of an Auditorium, inspirational Memorial room, Gymnasium, Synagogue, and Library/Computer Room. The cost of this facility is $1,200,000. The responsibility of the first floor of this building is Broward/Palm Beach Chapter of FIDF's. This cost will be $850,000 and the second floor will be for administrative offices of the Navy.

This facility is extremely important because there is no facility now for the soldiers to "chill out" after being on sea patrol for 72 straight hours. These seamen, sleep, eat, and patrol on these 35ft X 11ft patrol boats. The morale and spirit of these soldiers defending our homeland is as important as protecting the land itself.

There are still naming opportunities in our Mezuzah Campaign. $1,800 will completely furnish a room in the facility including the Mezuzah and will bring honor to the person you name. Your generous donation will bring blessing to the room.

The Recreational and Educational Center in Ketziot was dedicated in November. It includes a Computer Room, Music and TV Room, and Auditorium. The cost of this facility was $1,000,000.

This Recreational and Educational Center is extremely important. The Givati is one of the elite brigades in the Israeli Army. The tironim (soldiers during basic training) live in tents at the base. The new facility will give the soldiers a place to unwind, relax and recharge their minds and bodies following the intense training and harsh living conditions they endure.

To learn more about these projects, please contact Michael Hadar , Executive Director of the Broward/Palm Beach Chapter of The Friends of the IDF at (561) 483-2771 or email him at boca@israelsoldiers.org .

This project, on the Beit Lid Base for Paratroopers and Special Units initiated by the Taubman Family Foundation, will be completed in December 2008.

The Paratroopers Brigade and commando units have their headquarters on Bet Lid base. It is from here that the elite forces ready for and set out on their missions, and to where they return upon completing their missions. The base is located in the center of Israel, east of the town of Netanya. The paratroopers returning from their life-threatening tasks do not have a wellbeing & sports center. The proposed project would significantly contribute to the paratroopers’ wellbeing on the base.

The cornerstone laying ceremony was held on Thursday, October 18th attended by our local supporters during the October Mission. The project estimate is $510,000. Dedication opportunities still available.

Board of Directors

Richard & Dr. Gail Kwal
Co-Presidents
National Board Member

Board of Directors
Dr. Michael Kalisman
National Board Member
Gerald Mizel
National Board Member
Henry Galel
Glen Golish
Dr. Warren Grossman
Dr. Steven Katz
Sam Moshe
Wendy Pressner
Dr. Robert Rothfield
Tom Segal
Robert Weinroth
Elissa Vessal

Michael Hadar
Executive Director

Betsy Horowitz
Office Manager

Raphael Elkayam
Past President

Dr. Oscar “Riley” Hausdorff
Past President
*Of Blessed Memory*