Highland Park, NJ (December 21, 2022) – In a heartwarming and meaningful encounter, Holocaust survivor and TikTok sensation Tova Friedman (“TikTok Tova”) opened her heart and her home to a visiting soldier from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the fourth night of Chanukah as part of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) “Live the Miracle” campaign, aimed at combatting the rise in antisemitism. Tova joins some of the most recognized and respected Jewish influencers from across the globe who are courageously using their social media platforms to celebrate the miracle of Israel and the Jewish people, as they continue to rise in the face of terror, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Corporal Ofir, a Lone Soldier and flight control simulator instructor in the IDF, was fortunate to spend Chanukah on Wednesday evening (12/21) with Tova, an Auschwitz survivor, author and academic who escaped death multiple times as a Jewish child living in Poland during WWII. Together, in a symbolic act of unity, the duo lit candles and shared stories and beautiful traditions that have been practiced for centuries.
"Throughout my journey as one of the few fortunate survivors of the Holocaust, I never thought I’d see the day when the Jews would have a safe haven, a homeland,” said Tova. “Israel is simply a miracle and having the opportunity to bring one of her protectors into my home, and exchange experiences, was an unbelievably meaningful and emotional experience. I am thankful to FIDF for facilitating a wonderful visit and for working towards ending the hate that still, decades later, exists against the Jews. Corporal Ofir, and all the brave and courageous soldiers of the IDF, are an inspiration and I will always stand behind those who protect our sacred land and the Jewish people.”
The emotional event can be seen on @friends_of_the_idf, @tovatiktok and fidf.org/miracle.
The full eight-night influencer line-up is as follows:
Night 1: Lizzy Savetsky (Zionist, social media influencer and matchmaker)
Night 2: Alex and Loren Brovarnik (Stars of the hit series, “90 Day Fiancée”)
Night 3: Modi Rosenfeld (Stand-up comedian and actor)
Night 4: Tova Friedman (Holocaust survivor and TikTok sensation)
Night 5: Ashley Waxman Bakshi (Beauty, travel and fashion creator and social media influencer
Night 6: Cathy Heller (Author and podcast host)
Night 7: Kosha Dillz (Rapper)
Night 8: Noa Tishby (Israeli actress, writer and activist)
“It’s a privilege to stand in solidarity with these influential Jewish figures who will not let darkness prevail. These are people, who, in the face of social media and all sorts of attacks, are standing up for morality, for dignity, and for these young men and young women who are literally at the front line of humanity,” said Steve Weil, CEO of Friends of the IDF.
All nightly videos will be posted on each influencer’s Instagram page, @friends_of_the_idf and fidg.org/miracle.
Friends of the IDF is an organization dedicated to supporting the needs of the soldiers of the IDF -- who put their young lives on the line every day to protect Israel -- during and after their service through empowering educational, financial well-being and cultural initiatives.
Please see below photos of Tova Friedman family with Corporal Ofir. Photo credit: Yoav Davis for Davis Media, courtesy of FIDF.
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