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NEW YORK (Sept. 16, 2022) -- Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid will join more than 500 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) supporters from across the country to salute Israel’s brave soldiers at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National N.Y. Gala Dinner on Tuesday, September 20.
This will be Prime Minister Lapid’s first visit to the U.S. since he took office in July. The event will be held in tribute to FIDF Chairman, Peter Weintraub, and will feature active-duty IDF soldiers, and several additional special guests. All proceeds will support FIDF’s empowering educational, financial, well-being, and cultural initiatives for the young men and women of the IDF.
Two soldiers will be recognized at next week’s gala: Sergeant First Class M, a former member of Shayetet 13, Israel’s elite Navy seal unit, will speak about his experience neutralizing threats to Israel. Sergeant M now serves in the elite Oketz unit, which specially trains dogs to assist soldiers in combat situations and rescue operations; and Major Bar, who will share the history of his family, a group of Holocaust survivors, and those who served before him.
Additional VIP event attendees will include Michael Herzog, Israeli Ambassador the United States; Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israeli Representative to the United Nations; Israeli Counsel General, Asaf Zamir; Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Ronen Hofman; FIDF CEO, Steve Weil; FIDF National Director, Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan; FIDF Executive Director of Israel Operations, Yehiel Gozal; FIDF President, Fred Gluckman; FIDF VP of the Northeast Region, Galit Brichta.
Peter Weintraub, FIDF National Board Chairman since 2018, will be honored for his service and the immeasurable contributions he made to FIDF during his tenure. He will be stepping down from his position next month.
“Peter has dedicated his whole life to the brave souls of the IDF and through his tireless and inspiring efforts, has been an incredible leader for FIDF, said Steve Weil, FIDF CEO. “Peter led the charge in delivering life-changing programs and initiatives to tens of thousands of IDF heroes, and we are forever grateful for his dedication to FIDF. Next Tuesday, we will unite in support of those heroes protecting the Jewish homeland, and who – through their courage – inspire us to become more courageous ourselves.”
According to Peter Weintraub, “It has been a true honor, and an opportunity of a lifetime, to stand in solidarity with the soldiers of Israel throughout my years of service. FIDF is not one more cause supporting Israel; we ARE Israel. Without the IDF there is no Israel, and for that reason, we must continue to support the young men and women serving who make the reality and future of Israel and the Jewish people possible.”
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