(Courtesy of FIDF) More than 900 Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters recently came together at Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers in a strong show of solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on the frontlines, risking their lives to restore security in Israel after the horrendous massacre that occurred on October 7, and the ongoing attacks against innocent civilians perpetrated by the terror group, Hamas.
The event had been scheduled as the FIDF’s national gala to celebrate Israel’s 75 years of independence, but was transformed into a solidarity gathering in the wake of the attacks. As Israel is enduring unimaginable loss and terror, FIDF made the decision to continue with the event to bring the Jewish community together to support those fighting against evil in their greatest time of need. All proceeds from the event are going towards the emergency humanitarian needs of IDF soldiers during the war.
The event was emceed by Itzik Cohen, best known for his role as Captain Gabi Ayub in the Netflix hit series “Fauda.” His castmates Yaakov Zada Daniel (who plays Eli) and Meirav Shirom (who plays Dana) also took part. The event included a special briefing from the ground with a former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (Res.) Aviv Kohavi; and a powerful speech from actress, author and activist Noa Tishby. Pop star Noa Kirel sang “Hatikva,” accompanied by award-winning violinist Bar Markovich.
Perhaps the most emotional part of the evening was when Ronen and Orna Neutra from Long Island spoke about their son Omer Neutra, an IDF Lone Soldier, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. He was serving as a tank commander near the Gaza border when the Hamas attack began.
The event chairs were Alison and Marty Burger, Rita and Fred Distenfeld, Trudy and Stanley Stern, Tanya Zuckerbrot and Anthony Westreich, and Melanie and Art Wrubel. Additional VIP attendees included FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil, FIDF General Director and Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan, and Galit Brichta, the FIDF’s vice president of the Northeast Region.
FIDF is raising critical funds for IDF soldiers during the Hamas-Israel war. It is the single designated organization by the IDF in the United States authorized to raise funds for its soldiers, and FIDF acts according to the requirements of the IDF’s Manpower Directorate to respond to the most urgent requests. These requests currently include lifesaving medical supplies such as ambulances, plasma, medical devices and field hospitals, as well as hygiene kits and aid for the thousands of bereaved families who are suffering the loss of loved ones. As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers. Fighting for her people. Fighting for their safety. Fighting for their futures.
“The brutal, barbaric acts of hatred committed against Israeli civilians are unthinkable, and IDF soldiers are facing an unprecedented and harrowing conflict, making our support for them more vital than ever before,” said Weil. “At the frontline of defense are Israel’s soldiers, bearing witness to heinous crimes and facing unimaginable challenges. They need to know that we, as a global community, are firmly there for them.”
