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ATLANATA, GA (May 9, 2023) – More than 350 members of the Atlanta Jewish community – joined by local dignitaries, eight soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and six from the US Military – came together in celebration of “75 Years of Courage” commemorating Israel’s 75th Independence Day during the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) 2023 FIDF Atlanta Celebration held on May 1st at the Westin hotel. A congratulatory message from Israel’s President Isaac "Bougie" Herzog kicked off the festive event.
For three quarters of a century, the miraculous nation of Israel has stood as a beacon of hope and strength in a region known for conflict and turmoil. Guests acknowledged the courageous soldiers of the mighty IDF who made the momentous 75th anniversary a reality, allowing life to prevail, and ensuring that strength and hope persists for Jews worldwide. Without them, the State of Israel could not exist even one day.
The program reinforced how for 75 years, contributions of the IDF have positively impacted the world in countless ways. From the frontlines to the home front, the IDF continues to lead by example – in its ethics, dedication to protecting innocent lives and commitment to greatness, during service and beyond. Trailblazers, changemakers and legends in a host of fields – medicine, science, politics, literature, and the arts – were soldiers first. Their courage to think bigger was born in the IDF.
According to FIDF Chair for Georgia and Southeast States, Karen Shulman, this sentiment rings true in the Atlanta community as well and guests in attendance, who had once been IDF soldiers, were recognized. “Before he was Rabbi Natan Trief he was an IDF Lone Soldier serving in a Search and Rescue unit. Before Julie Silverman became the Chief Financial Officer for RLR Industries, she was an IDF soldier serving the Artillery Corps.”
Each year, the Atlanta Annual Celebration raises critical support for the men and women of the IDF. “FIDF is deeply committed to meeting the needs of every IDF soldier through transformative educational, financial and wellbeing and cultural initiatives – so each one is poised for greatness – over the next 75 years and beyond,” said FIDF CEO Steve Weil.
Guests were honored to hear from several soldiers including Lt. Barr, a soldier from the Search and Rescue Battalion, who was part of the humanitarian delegation to Turkey that saved 19 lives, the highest number of rescued people by any delegation and any Israeli delegation in history. “At first the civilians looked at us with hesitation, but as time passed, and they saw we were saving lives, they looked at us with hope,” she said. Grateful to be chosen to join the mission, she quoted the Talmud, “whoever saves one life from Israel, it’s as if he saved the whole world.”
Local Lone Soldier, Sgt. Rose, trained as a combat soldier specializing in anti-terrorism and currently serves in the Magav unit as a border guard in the Old City of Jerusalem. The grandchild of Holocaust survivors, she shared the motto of her unit which is very personal to her: “Generations dreamed of arriving in Jerusalem, and we have the honor to protect her.” She feels an obligation to fulfill opportunities her family members didn’t have, including “watching over the Jews who are living the dream of walking to the Kotel on Shabbat.” She is grateful for the support she has received from her community and FIDF, without whom she may not have made Aliyah. “FIDF has played a critical role in my success as a soldier – from flights home to facilities like those I trained in during my combat fitness course.”
Seth Baron, Vice President, FIDF Georgia and Southeast States, acknowledged the overwhelming support of the Atlanta community. “Our community has made an incredible impact on the State of Israel and her soldiers over the years,” said Baron. “A special thank you to FIDF Chair for Georgia and Southeast States, Karen Shulman and FIDF National Board Member and Chairman Emeritus for Georgia and Southeast States, Garry Sobel for their continued efforts towards bettering the lives of IDF soldiers.”
Event VIPS included Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast States, Anat Sultan-Dadon; Deputy Consul General to the Southeast, Alex Gandler; FIDF CEO, Steve Weil; FIDF National Director and Major General (Res.), Nadav Padan.
Please find photos from the event below (click on the photos and choose "download" from the three dots on the top right to download). Photo Credit: Courtesy of FIDF.
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