FIDF Gala Saluting the Women of the IDF

Photography by Nathan Valentine on March 5th, 2014 in Culture

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Hollywood, FL – February 27, 2014 – It was a fabulous evening of saluting the women of the Israel Defense Forces as well as those who have played a major part in the Friends of Israel Defense Forces. Taking place at the Westin Diplomat Hotel, the gala gave attendees the opportunity to meet IDF soldiers who traveled from Israel for the event, to learn about their experiences first-hand, and hear from Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Canada, Major General Yaacob Ayish. The Gala also honored longtime FIDF supporter and Holocaust survivor, Max Berger who has always been a staunch supporter of the State of Israel as well as the Israel Defense Forces and was honored for his unwavering commitment to Israel’s brave soldiers. The Guardians of Golani Award was given to Isaac and Nieves Olemberg, who have played a major role in the community’s adoption of the Golani Brigade through the FIDF Adopt a Brigade Program. As part of the program, the Greater Miami community provides for all of the brigade’s wellbeing needs, including financial aid for soldiers in-need, Lone Soldiers support, educational activities, and weeks of R&R for combat soldiers. The surprise of the night came from wounded hero, Captain Ziv Shilon, who proprosed to his girlfriend Adi Sitbon on stage in front of the whole crowd; cheers, joy and excitement exuded from everyone in the room. The gala ended up raising an astonishing $3.3 million for the wellbeing of IDF soldiers. Among the participants at the Gala were FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic, FIDF National Director and CEO, Major General Yitzhak Gershon, FIDF Executive Director of Florida, Dina Ben Ari, and Gala Co-Chairs, Fanny Hanono and Rachel Sapoznik. Joining the FIDF supporters in attendance was a delegation of IDF soldiers, including Lieutenant T., an Israeli Air Force combat pilot, and Captain Neta Ben Avraham, the Eilat Naval Regional Control Post Commander.

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