FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES RAISES RECORD $4.1 MILLION AT WESTERN REGION GALA
More than 1,100 of the most prominent members of the California Jewish community gathered at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Thursday, December 13th, to honor Israel’s brave soldiers at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) 2007 Western Region Gala. The Gala, chaired Beny Alagem and Co-Chaired by Paul Guerin & Leo David, was sold out for nearly three weeks and raised a record setting $4.1 million for the well-being of Israel’s soldiers.

Also attending the Gala were former Deputy Chief of General Staff, Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky; Brig. Gen. Gabi Shachor, Commander of Palmachaim Air Force Base; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani, International Chairman of Aguda Lema’an Hachayal; FIDF National Chairman Arthur Stark; and FIDF National Director Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yehiel Gozal.

The evening featured an exciting live satellite hook-up with pilots and commandos stationed at Palmachaim Air Force Base who provided detailed descriptions regarding their responsibilities and recent missions defending the State of Israel. Thirty IDF combat soldiers attended the Gala each of whom had suffered the personal loss of a sibling or father serving in the IDF. The soldiers were part of FIDF’s new Legacy Soldiers Program that brings bereaved soldiers to the United States for a week of fun and relaxation.

The evening concluded with a performance by singer Natalie Cole.

FIDF’s Western Region, under the leadership of Los Angeles Chapter board member and Moreshet Committee Chair Marci Spitzer, brought 39 Israeli children and siblings of fallen soldiers to Los Angeles to spend 10 days at Camp Ramah in Ojai.

Summer 2007 marked the second successful year of FIDF’s Moreshet Program. Sponsored through the generosity of donors from throughout the Western Region and major gifts from Cheryl & Haim Saban, the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs, Robert & Kennon Hudson, and The Lodzer Organization, as well as funds raised by Eitan Spitzer through his Bar Mitzvah, Moreshet 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 and shopping spree sponsored by The Lodzer Organization. The trip culminated with a fun-packed barbeque hosted by L.A. Chapter board members Dina & Fred Leeds including waterslides, break dancers, and a Pinata!

This year Friends of Israel Defense Forces is proud to launch a new program to benefit soldiers from bereaved families. The Legacy Soldiers Program is a unique program aimed at soldiers who continue to serve their country despite their own tragic personal loss. The program brings male and female soldiers in active duty service for ten days of fun, rest and relaxation in the United States. During the trip, the soldiers visit major cites in the United States including New York and Los Angeles and participate in exciting activities. They are able to connect to local communities and feel the love and support of the Jewish community in America. No less important is their interaction with young men and women who come from the similar backgrounds. Through the program, soldiers create life-long friends who truly understand their pain and who can help them to better cope with their emotional burden. The Legacy Soldiers Program is fully sponsored by Friends of the IDF from flights and accommodations, to theater shows and amusement parks, to ground transportation and meals making sure that the soldiers have the best time possible. The Western Region is proud to sponsor and host the first Legacy Soldiers Program visit by thirty bereaved combat soldiers in December 2007. During their time in Los Angeles, the Legacy Soldiers attended the FIDF Western Region Gala Dinner, dined and danced on a private yacht, visited Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, Disneyland, and spent time at the famous Laugh Factory with members of FIDF’s Young Leadership.

Bay Area “friends” of Israel’s soldiers stepped forward during the past year to provide substantial support for FIDF programs vital to the well-being of the soldiers and their families. Robert Hudson, and sons Daniel and Michael, sponsored four-year college scholarships for four former combat soldiers while also funding programs for the widows and orphans of fallen soldiers.

Julie and Paul Candau, have donated a Transportable Club and Mobile Gym for IDF’s Brigade Division 7 after visiting their base during a summer trip to Israel. And the Sasson Families – Barbro & Aaron, Susan & Ori, and Fariba & Sharam, – have continued their support of scholarships and other FIDF programs with a major financial commitment to FIDF. Ori Sasson serves on FIDF’s National Board while Sharam serves as President of the East Bay Division of the Bay Area Chapter.

The IDF Musical Ensemble performed at a belated Yom Ha’Autzmaut Concert at the Levy Campus of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos. Speakers included Chapter Chairman Robert Hudson, Chapter President Lisa Cohen, and Israel Deputy Consul General Ishmael Khaldi. More than 300 attended the concert and celebrated Israel’s 59th Anniversary by dancing to the Ensemble’s incredible music.

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER

During May and July, prominent members of the San Diego Jewish Community visited a variety of IDF bases. In May 2007, Gloria and Rod Stone, Elaine & Murray Galinson, Lawrence & Rebecca Newman were joined by four other couples on a tour of Palmachaim Air Force Base. In July, San Diego attorney and community leader Norman Smith, led a mission of San Diegans to Israel. During their seven day visit, the group traveled throughout the country and visited a variety of elite IDF command units and bases. As a result of these missions, hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for vital FIDF programs.

A few weeks after returning from his mission, Mr. Norman Smith, accepted the Chairmanship of the San Diego Chapter and Mr. Julian Josephson, accepted the appointment of Vice Chairman. Mr. Daniel Brodsky, who founded the chapter, continues to serve as President. The leadership team has set forth the goal of heightening visibility and expanding support of FIDF in the greater San Diego region.

During a brief but highly emotional visit to Israel in July, “Dr. Bob” Shillman dedicated the Dr. Diane Parrotte Clinic donated by the Shillman Foundation, in honor of the brave members of the Sayeret Mat’kal. Sayeret Mat’kal, popularly known as “The Unit,” was formed in 1957 and consisted of members trained by Bedouin trackers on the finer points of looking and thinking like an Arab. “Dr. Bob” has also adopted the battalion.