CONTACT INFORMATION |
Upcoming Events |
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FIDF Broward / Palm Beach
8177 West Glades Road, Ste 208
Boca Raton , FL 33434
Tel:
Fax:
E-Mail:
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Members |
Lenny Shapiro
Co-President, National Board Member
Dr. Oscar Hausdorff
Co-President
Executive Committee
Raphael Elkayam
Glen Golish
Dr. Michael Kalisman, National Board Member
Gail Kwal
Richard Kwal, National Board Member
Shia Lome
Tom Segal
Beverly Strauss
Michael Hadar
Executive Director
Betsy Horowitz
Office Manager
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MISSION STATEMENT |
The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is the tax-exempt partner of the Association for the Well-Being of Israel's Soldiers, the largest philanthropic organization in Israel. Our organization helps provide social, educational and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel defending the Jewish homeland. We also provide these services to the widows and children of soldiers who have fallen in defense of Israel. |
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Remember the soldiers when you celebrate and when you mourn.
Tribute cards available
Many schools have made us a part of their regular chesed projects.
Don't forget to include the soldiers in your school event programming.
Call us for more information.
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About Us
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.
Since we opened our doors in Boca Raton, we have brought many high level dignitaries to the Palm Beach area including Ambassador Dennis Ross, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, Ambassador Daniel Ayalon, and high ranking IDF officers from all branches of the military.
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. We have brought many young soldiers to the schools and parlor meetings to present 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.
Through generous contributions we are supporting the soldiers and the widows and orphans of Israel.
We thank our supporters and volunteers for making this possible.
Personal Reflections on IDF Mission to Israel 2006
My participation in the IDF Mission to Israel was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, one that will persist in my consciousness. This was my first visit to Israel where citizens, rather than places, were the focus. After nearly 2000 years without a Jewish military, to see courageous young Israeli soldiers working so diligently and so joyfully served as an additional indication of the future survival of the Jewish nation.
Every participant in the Mission has his own recollections of memorable soldiers and sites. On our first night in Israel, we met an IDF officer that was wounded in Lebanon. I was struck by his bravery, humanity, and remarkable intelligence concerning military matters. One's heart had to go out to him and his comrades. Chavat Hashomer, the base for troubled Israeli youth, was unique. I have never heard of any other nation or people creating a program such as this. The lessons to be learned were that every Jewish life is precious, no individual can be regarded as "hopeless", and everyone deserves a second chance. I found Ktziot, which serves as a training base for Givati soldiers, both fascinating and fun. I even got to practice my marksmanship. It was special that the soldiers permitted the group to enter their private world; for this I am indebted to them. It was a thrill to meet the commander of the Ramat David Air Force Base, an exceptional individual with outstanding leadership qualities. Here, as elsewhere, the soldiers took time out of their busy schedule to show us some of their daily work and necessary chores. The Ashdod Naval Base was extraordinary; we were shown captivating film footage of the monitoring and securing of the area off the coast of Gaza. They were most appreciative of the new residential hall that was dedicated during our Mission.
On a very personal note, I had the thrill of meeting David Safire, the individual whom I am sponsoring via the FIDF IMPACT program. I feel that, after his brave service as an IDF paratrooper in Lebanon several years ago, he is actually sponsoring me rather than vice-versa. There are so many other Israeli soldiers that are deserving.
The bar mitzvah in Ashkelon was great fun. To be there with so many people (including approximately 600 soldiers) who all had huge smiles on their faces indicating pride in their nation gave me a feeling of warmth that is indescribable. I wished that all of the individuals who have never visited Israel could have attended the event.
Finally, an eternal memory will be the volume and quality of food that was offered to our group at every stop along the way. Hopefully, the calories consumed will not persist as long as the wonderful memories.
Submitted by Brian Ruderman
Our Projects
Ashdod Naval Base
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.
Givati Brigade Training Base
A Recreational and Educational Center that will include a Computer Room, Music and TV Room, and Auditorium. The cost of this facility is $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 or email him at .
4th Annual Palm Beach Gala Held February 12, 2006
On Sunday, February 12th the 4th annual Gala Dinner was held by the Palm Beach/Broward Friends of the IDF at the recently renovated social hall at the B’nai Torah Congregation. Local teenagers were on-hand as mini-ambassadors to assist the guests. The youngsters presented beautiful personalized tribute cards to each guest during the dinner.
The Dinner was emceed by Dr. Riley Hausdorff, President, followed by blessings for the IDF, the State of Israel and the Soldiers of the U.S.
The theme of the evening was the Givati Brigade- focusing on completion of the new Recreational facility at Ketziot.
Israel’s Ambassador Daniel Ayalon addressed the 250 guests. His remarks included thanks to the assembled guests and the essential part the IDF plays in the existence of Israel. Ambassador to the UN Daniel Gillerman briefly addressed the guests via taped message.
Colonel Katz of Givati gave an emotional account of his personal experience in the IDF.
An exciting video presentation of a Givati mission in action filmed by videographer to the IDF filmmaker Jody Benyunes followed by his stirring appeal prompted many new contributions.
Speeches were kept to a minimum due to the fantastic video presentations.
A tribute to all the major donors was rolling on two giant screens throughout the dinner.
Following the program, guests lingered to enjoy the music and dancing, unwilling to let the night end.
Guests included Consul General Dr. Yitzchak Ben Gad, Past President of the FIDF Rafi & Dorothy Elkayam, the National President of the FIDF Arthur Stark and his wife; Arthur Stark is also the President of Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Maj. Gen. Itzik Eitan, Chairman of AWIS, who came to Florida especially for this event.
Also included among our guests were Bud Seretean, who last year named the Ketziot Facility and hopes that donations this year will complete the construction by the end of 2006, Dr. Daniel Man and his wife Dena, Feigel Shapiro, the wife of Lenny Shapiro, who couldn’t attend because at this time he is in Ethiopia coordinating a plane load of Jews to Israel.
The fabulous flower arrangements were generously donated by Ben, the owner of Daniel Events of Boca Raton. Ben is a former IDF soldier familiar with the needs and the mission of the Friends of the IDF.
Though the cost of a ticket to this year’s event has doubled from the past, guests continued to show support with generous pledges following the appeal.
Thanks to the efforts of the Chairpeople, Dr. Gail Kwal, Sue Hausdorff, Esther Taragin, Tom Segal, and Shia Lome the evening was exhilarating and exciting.
The evening was coordinated by Michael Hadar and Betsy Horowitz who worked tirelessly to ensure that this evening be a success. We have seen wonderful growth over the past four years and hope for increased success on behalf of the young soldiers of Israel.
We thank all of our guests who had such a fabulous time. We also want to thank everybody who made a contribution but was unable to attend. We hope to see you all next year.
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Bar Mitzvah Dream Comes True
Mike Jacobs, 85, stepped into the office in Boca Raton. He was planning to visit Israel to celebrate his 61st wedding anniversary and his 85th birthday. "I wanted to do more for Israel ," he explained.
Michael Hadar, the Executive Director of the Broward/Palm Beach Chapter told Mr. Jacobs about the IMPACT Scholarship Program Mr. Jacobs was touched and pledged several scholarships in memory of his daughter.
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From left, Michael Hadar, Executive Director of the Broward/Palm Beach Chapter, Mike Jacobs , and Menachem Levy, Commander of the Ashdod Naval Base. |
During conversation, Michael learned that Mr. Jacobs regretted never having a bar mitzvah. He was going to be in Israel at the same time, so Michael arranged a bar mitzvah ceremony on the Ashdod base. Over 120 soldiers witnessed Mr. Jacobs put on tefillin for the first time in his life.
"The first time he was called to the bima, he was so touched he cried," Michael said.
