More than 1,200 leading business people and philanthropists from across the country will salute the brave soldiers and veterans from all of Israel’s military operations and historic wars at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National N.Y. Gala Dinner on Oct. 23 at the New York Hilton Midtown. The event’s special program will feature active-duty Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers.
FIDF’s flagship national event is chaired by FIDF National President Rabbi Peter Weintraub. A Reform rabbi and businessman, Weintraub has been an avid FIDF supporter for over 16 years and has sponsored academic scholarships for more than 85 IDF combat veterans through FIDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program.
Speaking at the gala will be outgoing Israeli Air Force (IAF) chief Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, who commanded the forces protecting Israel’s skies for five years and oversaw the recent acquisition of the new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., the most advanced warplane in the region. The evening will also hold a special commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War led by the legendary IAF test pilot, Danny Shapira, who was one of the very first to fly over Israel and served in most of its wars.
Also speaking will be a hero of Operation Entebbe, the famous Israeli rescue mission at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport in 1976 that saved 102 hijacked Air France passengers who were held hostage by terrorists.
Special guests will include 25 IDF soldiers and officers from several military units, including one of the IAF’s few women combat flight navigators, Capt. “N.”; Maj. “G.,” who pilots one of the IAF’s new F-35 fighter jets; Sgt. Shira, a paramedic who has been treating wounded Syrian refugees; and Israeli Navy Sgt. Matan, a “Lone Soldier” – or one who immigrates to Israel with no immediate family in order to enlist in the IDF – originally from Westchester, N.Y.
“Since its founding, Israel has fought for its right to exist as a free nation and guarantee the security and prosperity of its people. This freedom and safety relies first and foremost on the existence of a strong and moral army,” said FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir. “At this ‘Night of Heroes,’ we salute the men and women soldiers who have taken part in the ongoing struggle of the State of Israel. Each and every one of them is another link in the chain of the IDF heroism and the Jewish State, as they continue to serve today – ‘L’dor Va’dor’ (from generation to generation) – and we all owe them our deepest gratitude. While their job is to look after Israel, our job is to look after them.”
“The heroic men and women of the IDF put their lives on the line every day to defend the Jewish State and protect Jews everywhere,” said Weintraub. “This national gala event will honor their sacrifices, celebrate their victories, and afford us the opportunity to personally thank them for all that they do in service to Israel and the Jewish people.”
Honored guests will include Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Amb.Danny Danon; Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan; Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attache to the United States Maj. Gen. Michael Edelstein; FIDF National Chairman Arthur Stark; Fox Business Network anchor Liz Claman, who will preside as master of ceremonies; and FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta.
The gala will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m.
