Lincolnwood, IL (May 27, 2022) – At a time when anti-Semitism is rampant and support for Israel and the IDF is too often challenged, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of the soldiers of Israel, brought together members of the Illinois-based community in a strong show of solidarity for Israel’s soldiers. The young men and women of the IDF have no choice but to find the courage to defend the Jewish homeland; FIDF is ensuring that they have an army of supporters behind them.
Local IDF supporters gathered Tuesday evening at the Bryn Mawr Country Club where they honored the memory and legacy of David N. Jonas z”l – visionary businessman, philanthropist and unwavering Zionist. Attendees also heard firsthand heroic accounts from active duty IDF soldiers.
The lineup of speakers began with Lt. Hayley – A Lone Soldier from NJ who described her experience with anti-Semitism on her college campus, which prompted her to serve. She also spoke about her involvement in Operation Guardian of the Walls, during which she dodged a nearby missile that shattered her home.
Next was Gefen Tal, a final year Industrial Engineering student and former IDF Combat Unit Commander. Gefen is one of over 100 students who received an IMPACT! Scholarship through the generous support of David N. Jonas z”l. The IMPACT! Scholarship Program provides four-year college scholarships to former IDF combat and combat support soldiers who come from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Lt. Opal, a Welfare Officer for the 405th Battalion in the Artillery Corps and great granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, shared stories of her family’s incredible heroism as well as her own experience in service.
Keynote Speaker Maj. General (Ret.) Elyezer Shkedy addressed the crowd about the unforgettable story of when he and his father, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, had dinner with the president of Israel and the president of Hungary. He also spoke to his experiences as a former commander of the Israeli Air Force and his role in the ceremonial flyover of Auschwitz in 2003.
Other distinguished guests at the dinner included Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Yinam Cohen; FIDF National Director, Maj. General Nadav Padan; Illinois Chairman and National Treasurer, Rob Selati; Illinois President, Thomas Kane who also emceed the event; and FIDF Central Region Vice President, Tamir Oppenheim.
According to Sarah Perl, Director of the Illinois chapter of FIDF, “FIDF is not one more cause supporting Israel, we ARE Israel, and without the IDF there is no Israel. We are grateful to our local supporters who recognize this stark reality and continue to share their unwavering love for IDF soldiers.”
“We each have the power to help secure Israel’s future by ensuring that every soldier overcomes whatever challenges they face – before, during and after service,” said Steve Weil, FIDF CEO. “The soldiers of the IDF are responsible for the fate of Israel and the Jewish people, and we are here to stand with them.”
Please find below photos from the event. Photo credits: Jeff Ellis Photography.