Half of the proceeds to go to Saban Lone Soldier Home.

(Courtesy of FIDF) Close to 80 Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters gathered in Englewood, on August 12 for “An Evening with the IDF,” hosted by the FIDF New Jersey Chapter. The event raised close to $350,000 for Israeli soldiers, $175,000 of which will go to the Saban Lone Soldier Home, currently under construction in the city of Rishon LeZion.

The evening featured a keynote speech by Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Shir Peled, the first woman to serve as an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) combat soldier in a counter-terrorism unit. Peled’s service in the IDF inspired the role of Nurit in the Netflix hit “Fauda,” played by actress Rona Lee-Shimon.

Other distinguished guests at the event included: FIDF CEO Steven Weil’ FIDF National Director and former Head of IDF Cybersecurity and Central Command, Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan; FIDF Northeast Vice President Galit Brichta; and Howard Gases of FIDF New Jersey chapter.

“It was wonderful being part of an FIDF event that has raised close to $350,000, so far, with much of that going to the soon-to-be-built home for Lone Soldiers. The heroic soldiers who spoke during the evening were truly inspiring,” said FIDF New Jersey Board Member Mel Berger, of Fort Lee, who served as the emcee.

To contribute to the Saban Lone Soldier Home, please contact Howard Gases at [email protected]