Approximately 100 people put the “fun” in fundraising as they gathered at the Sheraton in Eatontown, New Jersey on Sunday, January 12 for the Ninth Annual Wine and Food Experience celebrating Yashar LaChayal’s 18 years of supporting soldiers in Israel. The event featured a sumptuous buffet featuring sushi, salads, fish, a deli carving station, Israeli food specialties and many chafing dishes of delicacies, as well as entertainment by Avraham Rosenblum and his band. In addition, guests had the opportunity to sample many varieties of wine and determine their favorites. Purchases of wine also benefit Yashar LaChayal.

Dan Rozett, director, community relations and Israel engagement at the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, noted that he had formerly been a lone soldier in Israel and wished there had been an organization like this during his service.

Following opening remarks by event organizer Jack Silverman, parents of Israeli soldiers expressed how meaningful and important the work of Yashar LaChayal is. Scott and Sara Adler, parents of an Israeli reservist, spoke about the economic difficulties this war has placed on the IDF because all soldiers and reservists were called to service at the same time. Soldiers often purchased bulletproof vests and tourniquets from their own funds to be adequately outfitted. Rabbi Yehoshua Hess of the Young Israel of East Brunswick and the father of a lone soldier spoke about the importance of the community supporting Yashar LaChayal financially as well as supporting the parents of soldiers emotionally.

Eitan Kamilar, program director for Yashar LaChayal, presented a video about the types of projects they oversee and added that he is grateful for the services as he is also an IDF tank driver. A raffle of distinctive wines donated by the Royal Wine Company raised nearly $1,000 for Yashar LaChayal to provide social, emotional, financial, therapeutic and other support services. Kamilar surprised Silverman and his wife by presenting them with a beautiful work of art to thank them for their years of fundraising service.

Rob Haarburger, of Highland Park, described the event as “incredible. It is wonderful to see how Yashar LaChayal supports soldiers in so many ways day in and day out.” Help is still needed and appreciated. Send checks made out to Helping Israel Fund to: Helping Israel Fund, 39 Sullivan Way, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Attn: Marty Genee. For additional information, send an email to [email protected].