FIDF :: Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

During the FIDF 2008 National mission, Western Region donors dedicated or broke ground on several major projects. Vera and Paul Guerin dedicated the Sports Center at Palmachaim AFB, as well as a park in memory of their father, Nathan Shapell. Vicki & Ron Simms, joined by the Guerins, broke ground on the new IDF Auditorium at the base while David Wiener, and his wife Lila, dedicated the new Medical Infirmary at Palmachaim. Although not in attendance on the mission, the Canteen given by Robert Zarnegin was also dedicated.

By the conclusion of the mission and in recognition of our soldiers’ sacrifice and service, Western Region participants had committed $2 million for new projects and programs for their well-being. The Western Region extends its heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Vera & Paul Guerin, Erika Glazer, David & Lila Wiener, Vicki & Ron Simms, Sharon & Rodney Hill, Ilene & Jeff Nathan, Sue & Larry Hochberg, Ernest Kaplan, Joan Katz, Francine Gani, and Barbara Lazaroff for their generous commitments.

FIDF’s Western Region, under the leadership of Los Angeles Chapter board member and Legacy (Moreshet) Chair Marci Spitzer, brought 30 Israeli children and siblings of fallen soldiers to Los Angeles to spend 10 days at Camp Ramah in Ojai.

Summer 2008 marked the third successful year of FIDF’s Legacy Program that was made possible this year through a major gift from the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs, 2008 Tamarisk Men’s UJC Day Event as well as the generosity of donors Western Region donors who include the Lodzer Organization, Joyce Eisenberg-Kiefer, Sue & Larry Hochberg, Howard Levine, Janine Lowy, Sharon Malca, Marc Platt, the Southern California Nessah Educational & Cultural Center, and the FIDF Young Leadership of Los Angeles. Additionally, 13 year old Connor Duggan of San Diego donated $1,000 from his Bar Mitzvah money in support of the program.

Legacy provides these children with a unique Jewish summer camp far away from the daily realities of loss and war. Campers also enjoyed a trip to Universal Studios and Hollywood, and a luncheon sponsored by The Lodzer Organization whose members also gave digital cameras to each child. The trip culminated with a fun-packed barbeque hosted by L.A. Chapter board members Dina & Fred Leeds including pony rides, break-dancing, and pinatas.

Chapter Vice Chairman Julian Josephson Mission
Raises more than $300,000

A June 2008 mission led by San Diego Chapter Vice Chairman, Julian Josephson, and his wife Jennifer, raised a spectacular $310,000 for IDF units. The funds were donated by Sharon & Stuart Davidson, Leslie & Garry Granoff, Jane Stein, Marilyn & Stanley Smiedt, Amy & Chuck Spielman, and the Josephsons. During the mission, the participants visited the Carmey Zur Base at Gosh Atzion, IDF’s elite dog unit at Adam Base, met with soldiers of the Givati Battalion stationed near Gaza, visited the IDF’s 7th Brigade, received a special presentation regarding the historical battle at Valley of Tears in the Golan Heights, and met Battalion 300 at the Lebanese border where two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and later killed. The mission also included an emotional cornerstone ceremony for a new club at “8200” – IDF’s Intelligence Center sponsored by the San Diego Community. Future San Diego missions are planned for October 28th to November 5th, and November 6th to November 14th. The Chapter will also lead a first ever FIDF Mission to Israel for non-Jews in March 2009. For information regarding future missions, please contact Reuven Meir, FIDF San Diego Executive Director, at 858 539-5589.

First Sergeant (Ret.) Ron Weinrich, Paralyzed Veteran,
Visits San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

First Sergeant (Ret.) Ron Weinreich came to the San Francisco Bay Area to tell his story of personal strength, dedication and hope. A tank commander, Ron was tragically wounded during the first week of the second Lebanon War when a wall collapsed on his tank. Paralyzed from the chest down, Ron personifies the strength, optimism, and tenacity of the State of Israel and its people.

During his four day visit, Ron participated in three different FIDF chapter events. On Sunday, July 27th, Robert & Kennon Hudson, along with Cookie & Arnie Addison, hosted a beautiful backyard barbecue and Israeli wine tasting. The next evening, Gili and Doron Aspitz hosted an evening reception for the Israeli community at their home in Los Altos hills. On Tuesday, July 29th, FIDF national board member, Sharam Sasson and his wife, Fariba, hosted a dessert reception for more than fifty people at their home in Alamo. In each private gathering, Ron spoke about his childhood in the United States, his enlistment to the army at 18, and his experience during the second Lebanon war. Ron’s speech mesmerized his audiences. An accomplished musician and composer, Ron left his guests with a souvenir compact disc of his music.

2nd ANNUAL FIDF YOUNG LEADERSHIP GALA
SEPTEMBER 20th, 2008

On September 20, 2008, Young Leadership held its Second Annual “Roaring 20’s Old Hollywood Gala. The event was held once again at the beautiful and historic Los Angeles Theater in downtown Los Angeles. More than 500 young professionals attended the Gala with the majority attending in theme attire or black tie. The event raised $200,000! As Young Leadership has continued to grow and expand over the past twelve months, the 2008 YL Gala was bigger and
better than 2007!