New Englanders gather to support Israeli soldiers

Israeli shaliach (emissary) Gilor Meshalum, left, Alyse Teitelbaum, center, and Yehuda Fishaut at last years’ FIDF event.

BOSTON – Some 1,200 people from throughout New England gathered Nov. 11 for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) New England Region Annual Dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel. The dinner – which has become one of the local Jewish community’s largest events – is a highlight of the yearlong campaign to raise more than $4 million to support well-being and educational programs for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers amid the tense security situation in Israel.

Featured at the dinner were active-duty and former IDF soldiers, including Sgt. Emma, who serves in the IDF’s Military Police Corps; Staff Sgt. (Res.) Elle, a Lone Soldier and combat paramedic, who was one of the few female soldiers to enter Gaza during last summer’s Operation Protective Edge; Staff Sgt. (Res.) Sahar, who was awarded a Chief of General Staff Citation for his outstanding gallantry in battle in that conflict; and FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program recipient Sergeant Major (Res.) Golan, whose college education is being sponsored by two former FIDF IMPACT! scholarship recipients.

“FIDF is committed to supporting the well-being of Israel’s brave men and women in uniform – especially in these trying times,” said FIDF New England Executive Director Bruce Mendelsohn. “Israel fights terrorism every day and these soldiers keep Israel safe. We are honored to share their stories, to celebrate their service, and to express our appreciation for their sacrifices.”

Hosting the dinner were long-term FIDF New England Board Members and Co-Board Chairmen Joseph Sieber and Jonathan Leffell. Other distinguished guests included FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir and his wife, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; Consul General of Israel to New England Yehuda Yaakov; Mass. state Reps. Joseph McKenna, R-Webster, and Steve Howitt, R-Seekonk, and his wife, Pam; RI state Sen. Elaine Morgan, R-Hopkinton, and RI state Reps. Michael Chippendale, R-Foster, and Justin Price, R-Exeter; NH state Rep. Frank Edelblut, R-Hillsborough; Fall River (Mass.) Mayor Jasiel Correia; Associate Mass. Superior Court Justice Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman; Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston President Barry Shrage; and Hon. H. Russell Taub.

“This dinner has grown over the past decade to fill the Westin Grand Ballroom for the second consecutive year,” said Sieber, adding, “Our program this year highlights and thanks the soldiers to whom Israel owes it strength.”

Funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF educational and well-being programs for IDF soldiers, including the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program.