Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

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Founded in the United States in 1981, Friends of the Israel Defence forces (FIDF) is an American non-profit organisation devoted to providing various forms of support to Israeli soldiers. Its headquarters is based in New York and it was formerly the US branch of the Israel based organisation the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soliders (AWIS) .

In 2014 it was reported that AWIS and the FIDF had split due to the FIDF’s dissatisfaction with the management of AWIS. As a consequence the FIDF set up its own offices in Tel Aviv. However, AWIS officials claim to still be on good terms with the FIDF. In 2011, prior to the split between the two organisations, the FIDF contributed 40 percent of the budget of AWIS. In 2009, the IDF developed new procedures that required every donation to the army to receive the approval of the IDF's personnel division and then to be transferred via the Libi Fund or AWIS.

From 2005 until 2007 the forms filed by the FIDF with the American Inland Revenue Service stated that the FIDF 'works closely with the Ha'Agudah L'Maan Hachayal B'Yisrael A.R. (Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers)'. From 2008 onwards no mention of AWIS is made in the FIDF's filings with the IRS. Prior to 2005 the FIDF's filings stated that 'funds are raised for the benefit of the Association for Welfare of Soldiers in Israel' indicating that until 2005 the FIDF was a 'pass through organisation' which simply raised funds for AWIS rather than implementing its own programmes. However, according to the FIDF's filings the board of directors used its discretion to decide which of AWIS's programs it chose to fund, rather than leaving it to the discretion of AWIS.

The organisation provides the following description of its activities on its webpage:

FIDF initiates and helps support educational, social, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. FIDF also supports the families of fallen soldiers.

The IDF has stated that the FIDF's most important role is in improving the image of Israel and the IDF internationally.

A study on Jewish American charitable giving, published by Brandeis University in 2012, found that the FIDF is the second most significant Israel supporting charity in the category of 'social welfare' (after the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee).

Activities

Encouraging service in the IDF

FIDF encourages Jews outside of Israel to serve in the IDF. According to an article in Arutz Sheva 7:

"About 2,800 lone soldiers from around the world - 800 of them from the US - serve in the IDF, and about 900 enlist every year. Most of them are assisted and guided by the Lone Soldiers Program that was jointly initiated by Nefesh B'Nefesh and FIDF, which accompanies lone soldiers' absorption into the IDF and the state of Israel...The soldiers are eligible for financial assistance, personal accompaniment and guidance, and gift packages every three months. Upon their discharge from the IDF, thay are offered guidance on selecting their field of employment and studies, as well as work placement."

The FIDF has provided figures according to which some 2,500 IDF soldiers are non-Israeli with the largest contingent, of 740 soldiers, from the United States.

The organisation works with the Nefesh B'Nefesh organisation, the Jewish Agency and the Israeli Ministry of Immigrant Absorption to facilitate the arrival and integration of new Olim to Israel and organises welcoming events at Ben Gurion airport. Nefesh B'Nefesh has facilitated placement of fresh Olim in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories. The FIDF has charted flights of new IDF recruits to Israel from the United States in collaboration with Nefesh B'Nefesh.

The FIDF and Nefesh B'Nefesh jointly manage a 'Lone Soldiers Center' in Jerusalem.

Programmes

IMPACT! Scholarship Program - through this programme the FIDF provides academic scholarships to members of the IDF:

"For the academic year 2012-2013, FIDF granted 3,400 scholarships and sponsored students at over 90 institutions."

Identity and Purpose Programs

"IDF soldiers confront questions of identity, purpose, and ethics on a regular basis. The IDF Education Corps and Beit Morasha, a Jerusalem-based leadership training center that specializes in Jewish studies, have developed three courses for soldiers and commanders that focus on Jewish values and identity."

Israeli Journey Taking Soldiers on a Journey through the Land They Swear to Protect

"While visiting historic and cultural sites throughout Israel, such as Mount Herzl , The Western Wall, and Yad Vashem, participants experience a physical and emotional journey through Jewish-Israeli identity. They also participate in a range of team-building exercises, outdoor activities, and community service. The program has a significant impact on the participants, motivating them to inspire others around them – their brothers-in-arms, family, and friends."

Amir Course Cultivating the Integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into Military and Civilian Society

"Through special training and orientations, the Amir Course seeks to better integrate Ethiopian-Israeli enlistees into the army and enable them to access more challenging and influential positions in the IDF."

Eitan Program

"Eitan Program provides an opportunity for teenagers from difficult backgrounds exempt from enlisting to join the army. The program supplies them with tools to have a full and meaningful service and provides them with a vocation as a mode of succeeding in life thereafter. At the end of their service, the soldiers may choose out of three professional courses funded by FIDF and offered by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. They are then placed in a course according to availability and their own abilities. Upon completing technical and vocational training, the soldiers receive an official trade diploma, recognized by and given on behalf of the Ministry."

The Formal Education Program

"The Formal Education Program seeks to increase opportunities for soldiers to complete 12 years of formal education and receive a high school completion certificate by the end of their military service, enabling them to finish their military service with a greater chance of success in civilian life."

DIGNITY

"thousands of soldiers are in need of financial support at home. These soldiers are often the main provider for their families. When they join the military, they encounter economic difficulties, not only in supporting themselves, but also in supporting their families...When these soldiers come home for a short break, they either return to an empty house or become a financial burden on their families. The DIGNITY Program seeks to make a difference in the lives of these soldiers and their families by providing them with critical aid for basic appliances and furniture, food vouchers, special grants, and holiday gift coupons that help them through difficult economic times."

"In 2013, FIDF provided over 8,000 soldiers in-need with necessities such as furniture and appliances, Special Aid, Chanukah Friendship Vouchers and Food Vouchers."

"Since its inception in 2007, 27,488 soldiers have been helped by the DIGNITY Program"

SPIRIT R&R Program

"The SPIRIT Program provides every IDF combat unit with a week of relaxation and fun. This week does wonders for the soldiers – it allows them to "recharge their batteries” and to return to service with renewed strength."

'In 2013, 13,000 combat soldiers enjoyed weeks of rest and recreation through FIDF’s SPIRIT Program."

Adopt a Brigade Program

The program allows individuals and businesses to sponsor the following IDF units: the Golani Brigade, the Paratroopers Brigade, Iron Trail Brigade, Givati Brigade, Combat Intelligence Corps, Shayetet 3 Daburium Patrol Squadrons, Golan Artillery Regiment.

Spiritual Needs Program

"The Spiritual Needs Program uplifts the spirits of IDF soldiers throughout their service, honing in on values, faith, Jewish identity and love of Israel. The program does this through a series of activities focused on Jewish traditions and celebrations to warm the soldier’s hearts and strengthen their spirits."

LEGACY Program

Provides support to surviving relatives of deceased IDF soldiers.

Lone Soldiers Program

Provides financial and other assistance to "Lone Soldiers" - IDF personnel whose families live outside of Israel.

Wounded Soldiers Sports and Recreation Program

"Helping wounded IDF soldiers during and after their rehabilitation process through a variety of wellbeing and recreational activities."

Construction Projects

"FIDF's Capital Projects Campaign builds, refurbishes, and maintains recreation and sports centers, cultural and educational facilities, synagogues, memorial rooms, auditoriums, and “soldiers’ homes” for soldiers throughout Israel."

Public Relations

The FIDF Youtube channel presents slickly produced videos detailing the various FIDF programs, along with admiring portrayals of specific IDF units including the Unit 8200 Intelligence Corps, the Oketz Unit, the Combat Intelligence Corps, the Golani Brigade and the Israeli Navy.

Other FIDF video productions promote the role of women in the IDF and specific IDF operation such as Operation Protective Edge.

Every April, prominent FIDF supporters together with IDF officers go on a ten-day trip to the Nazi Death camps in Poland. The FIDF produced a thirty minute documentary ('From Holocaust to Independence') on the 2013 trip.

The FIDF maintains an active twitter feed and has more than two and a half thousand twitter followers. During Operation Protective Edge the number of FIDF tweets increased substantially and included FIDF infographics. Also tweeted was a link, entitled 'IDF Soldiers Protect Israel 24/7/365 Make Sure They Know We Have Their Backs — Now More Than Ever Before', which allowed supporters to send a message of support to IDF soldiers.

Donors, Supporters and Funding

Supporters and Donors

The Western Region/Los Angeles chapter of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) sponsor an annual 'Saving Lives Gala' to raise funds for the FIDF.

According to the Jerusalem post the FIDF together with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews awarded over NIS 57 million to low-income soldiers in Israel between 2008 and 2013. The two organisations declared that they would provide some NIS 12 million to 8,000 Israeli soldiers in 2014.

In collaboration with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the Israel Cultural Center of Korea the FIDF has sought to develop support for the IDF within South Korea which has a large Christian population.

Through the FIDF's 'Adopt a Brigade project' Oil Refineries Ltd. Israel's largest integrated refining and petrochemical group, has sponsored the Hatmar military unit. In 2012 the IDF provided the following description of the programme:

as part of the project, 158 combat units are adopted by a company or a sponsor, providing a close connection and an annual 100,000 NIS, for three years. This is one of the largest community service projects in Israel, adding up to 16 million NIS a year. Since 2005, approximately 72 million NIS were transferred to the IDF. Additional donations of money and products were made, adding up to approximately 2.3 million NIS. Adopt a Fighter is the signature project of Friends of the IDF in which leading commercial companies in the Israeli economy adopt combat units, in the process forming an enriching, helpful partnership between the business sector and the combat units. The goal of the initiative is embrace combat soldiers who are engaged in daily fighting for long periods of time, risking their lives for the security of the State of Israel.

In August 2012 Tzipi Livni, the Israeli Minister of Justice, spent a week giving talks and interviews in the United States on behalf of the FIDF.

The FIDF has organised trips, accompanied by IDF soldiers, to Nazi death camps in Poland for financial contributors to the organisation.

As well as aiding IDF soldiers the FIDF has provided support to the families of the South Lebanese Army - Israel's proxy force in southern Lebanon during the South Lebanon Conflict.

In August 2014 Howard Gases, director of the New Jersey Chapter of Friends of the IDF commented in reference to the lone soldiers programme that:

"Over the years, people realize that they need to support the IDF... For a strong Israel to survive, we need a strong military and a happy military."

In September 2014 reality TV star and music producer Simon Cowell donated $150,000 dollars to the FIDF. Cowell had previously donated $50,000 to the organisation when he attended the Friends of the IDF Western Region Gala in Beverly Hills in October 2013.

Singer Barabara Streisand is a supporter of the FIDF and has performed at FIDF events.

Republican Congresswoman and prominent member of the Israel and Cuba lobbies, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, was the keynote speaker at an 'IDF experience boot camp' hosted by the FIDF at the Hebrew Academy (RASG) in Miami Florida.

Ros-Lehtinen... addressed anti-Israel sentiments, myths created by the media, and the importance of advocating on behalf of Israel.

Operation Cast Lead

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During Operation Cast Lead the FIDF launched what it described as an 'FIDF Frontline Operation':

Following the recent developments in Israel and the on-going IDF "Cast Lead" Operation, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has launched an Emergency Campaign, titled "FIDF Frontline Operation," aimed at raising awareness and funds to fulfill the immediate wellbeing needs of the IDF Soldiers on the frontlines of the Gaza Strip. In response to an emergency request from the IDF to supply more goods and wellbeing services to the thou-sands of active-duty and reserve soldiers deployed in the Gaza Strip area, FIDF is accelerating its activities to help soldiers in the field... FIDF has been there from the very beginning, distributing Care Packages to the IDF soldiers in the field. In an effort to reach each and every IDF soldier and guarantee their needs are provided, FIDF has already been supplying a variety of necessities including: Care Packages with personal hygiene products; Personal Sweet Packages filled with all their favorite sweet and savory snacks; Rest and Recreation Field Tents where soldiers can keep warm, relax, watch cable TV, enjoy food and drinks stations, and play board games; Portable Cell Phone Chargers so soldiers can contact their loved-ones; Warm Clothing; and Heating Devic-es. FIDF will continue to support the soldiers and accommodate their needs wherever they are.

With regard to the FIDF's efforts Yitzhak Gershon, National Director of the FIDF commented:

As Israeli ground forces enter the Gaza Strip and launch the second stage of Operation 'Cast Lead' aimed at fighting the Hamas terrorist organization and its infrastructure in the Gaza strip, it is imperative that the American Jewish Community stands side-by-side with these brave young men and women who are risking their lives to protect our Jewish homeland...

The FIDF Western Region - Los Angeles Chapter boasted of having sponsored SPIRIT Weeks for every combat battalion that fought during Operation Cast Lead.

Operation Pillar of Defense

In 2012 the FIDF boasted of supporting IDF soldiers during Operation Pillar of Defense:

During Israel's recent Operation Pillar of Defense, FIDF worked around the clock to ensure the IDF's hardworking soldiers were taken care of. Whether it was by sending packages of snacks and much-needed clothing or by sending a "Break from the Battlefield" package including an LCD TV screen and board games, soldiers were able to uphold hygiene and were kept entertained in their few moments off from the battlefield and during the difficult task of keeping Israel safe under fire.

Operation Protective Edge

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During Operation Protective Edge in 2014 the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers received some NIS 2.5m from various supporting organisations including FIDF. The FIDF reportedly provided millions of dollars of aid to soldiers engaged in the course of the operation:

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces this summer provided millions of dollars in emergency humanitarian aid to soldiers fighting terrorism in Gaza. Over a four-week period, July 9-Aug. 3, the humanitarian organization filled requests from the IDF for tens of thousands of toiletry and undergarment kits, as well as snack packets, during Operation Protective Edge. As the ground campaign into Gaza continued...FIDF supplied additional aid in the form of mobile showers, plus thousands of hydration bags, portable chargers and other items requested by soldiers in the field. When hostilities subside, the military has asked Friends of the IDF to give each lone soldier a trip back to his/her country of origin for time to visit with family. These trips will be given to individuals, even if they previously received such a trip as part of FIDF’s ongoing Lone Soldiers Program. Additionally, FIDF has been asked to send all combat soldiers from Operation Protective Edge for a week of R&R, under the auspices of its SPIRIT Program... The humanitarian organization also is providing aid to the 64 bereaved families who lost loved ones in the service of Israel this summer.

On July 30 the FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic announced that the FIDF's 'Israel's Soldiers Rapid Response Fund' had received online donations from more than 10,000 American donors with donations amounting to more than $2 million.

During the conflict the FIDF organised a comedy event led by New York comedians Ari Teman, Danny Cohen and Benji Lovitt at an Iron Dome missile battery with the proceeds of the event going to FIDF. The event was part of the comedy troupe's Rocket Shelter Comedy tour, with the catchphrase, "Stuck in a bomb shelter? We'll come to you."

Fundraising Events

2015

In March 2015 the New York chapter of the FIDF held its annual Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The event raised $24 million. The dinner was MCed by Fox News contributor Monica Crowley. The Genesis Philanthropy Group donated $1.3 million and Bernard Marcus, founder of the Home Depot, pledged $5 million for the FIDFs lone soldiers programme. The event was protested by Palestine solidarity campaigners.

On January 11, 2015 the Palm Beach/Broward Region chapter of the FIDF held its 12th annual 'Solidarity Gala Dinner' at the Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton. The event raised nearly $2.5 million. The keynote address was given by Col. (retired) Richard Kemp CBE, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan. Other attendees included Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish, Israel Defense and Armed Forces attaché to the U.S. and Canada; Chaim Shacham, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico; Revital Malca, Deputy Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico; Gala Co-Chairs Alissa and Dr. Jay Maizes, and Jennifer and Craig Zeuner; Honorary Gala Co-Chairs Liora and Jerry Mizel; FIDF National Chair Nily Falic; FIDF National Executive Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF National Vice President Dr. Michael Kalisman; and FIDF Palm Beach/Broward Region Co-President Sam Moshe.

2014

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On November 6, 2014 the FIDF Western Region Gala raised more than $33 million. Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl Saban served as co-chairs of the event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Major donations included:

$10 million from Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of tech giant Oracle; $5.2 million from brothers Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano of Guess Jeans; $5 million from leading Republican fundraisers Sheldon Adelson and Miriam Adelson; $3.6 million from Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl; $2 million from Steve Tisch, chairman and executive vice president of the New York Giants; $1.6 million from The Helmsley Charitable Trust; and $1 million from Leo David, founder of the Western Region of the FIDF. Michael and Susan Dell (of Dell computers) donated $1.8 million.

Others present at the event included: Barbra Streisand, Marvel Studios founder and former CEO Avi Arad, Electus founder Ben Silverman, Israeli billionaire Vivi Nevo, developer and Los Angeles Police Commission president Steve Soboroff, Maker Studios CEO Ynon Kreiz, music producer David Foster, and actors Pamela Anderson and Chris Tucker.

On January 25, 2014, the San Diego Chapter of the FIDF held its 4th annual 'Gala Appreciation Dinner' honouring the Israeli Navy at the Hilton San Diego Bay front. The keynote speaker at the event was Admiral (Ret.) Amihai Ayalon. Close to $700,000 was raised at the event.

In October 2014 the FIDF's Ohio Chapter held its 'Annual Dinner Honoring Israel’s Soldiers'. The event was chaired by Richard Soclof and Elie Weiss (co-chairmen of the chapter) and by Lane Schlessel, the director of the chapter.

On June 13, 2014 the Ohio chapter of the FIDF held a casino night to raise funds for the FIDF. More than $100,000 was raised at the event.

A gala held in New York in March 2014 and attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz raised around $20 million dollars. The event was co-hosted by Fox News commentator Monica Crowley and Arthur Stark, CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond. The co-founder and former CEO of the latter company is Warren Eisenberg whose foundation (the Mitzi & Warren Eisenberg Family Foundation) is a major donor to the FIDF. The gala is held annually and at the 2014 event a video message from Binyamin Netanyahu was screened in which he thanked the FIDF for its support for the Israeli army:

Our army is a complement to Israel's sovereignty... There are those who seek to extinguish our lives. Anti-Semitism always changes its garland. But we have resolved to fight back. Thank you for helping the IDF fight back and secure a Jewish future.

Other attendees at the event included: Air Force Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel; Post columnist Rabbi Shmuley Boteach; FIDF National Chairwoman Nily Falic; Israel military attaché in the US and Canada Maj.-Gen. Yaacob Ayish; IAF attaché to the US and Canada Brig.-Gen. Yakov Shaharabani; IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Motti Almoz; former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi; New York Yankees president Randy Levine; American tycoon Mort Zuckerman; sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and executive director of the FIDF Tri-State Region, Richard Goldstein.

In 2014 the FIDF's New York Real Estate Division held its third 'Annual Golf Outing'. Attendees included a lieutenant who had served on the frontlines during Operation Protective Edge. The event raised over $400,000:

the funding will help continue building FIDF NY Real Estate Division's current capital project, a Wellbeing Center for Revaya A Base of Battalion 71 of the 118th Brigade.

At the NY Real Estate Division's annual gala $230,000 was raised. Attendees included active duty IDF Intelligence officers such as Second Lieutenant Roni Johnson of the IDF Combat Intelligence Corps.

On December 6, 2014 the FIDF Young Leadership-NY held its 12th annual gala. The event raised over $500,000 for the IDF Iron Trails Brigade.

The 2014 Michigan annual dinner raised more than $1 million dollars for the organisation. Attendees included FIDF National Executive Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Chief Executive Officer Alan E. Scholnick; FIDF National Director and CEO Emeritus Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; and FIDF Midwest Region Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim. Soldiers who served during Operation Protective Edge were also in attendance at the event.

Another gala event held in Florida in March 2014 raised more than $3.3 million for the organisation.

On April 6, 2014 the FIDF Western Region chapter held the 3rd annual 'Saving Lives Gala' an event held in conjunction with the Russian community of Los Angeles. The event, hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, raised $335,000. The opening remarks at the event were given by Haim Saban while comedian and actor Elon Gold served as emcee.

On October 21, 2014 the FIDF Long Island chapter held its 9th annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'. The event raised $1.4 million.

On July 23, 2014 the FIDF Long Island chapter held a fundraising barbecue at the home of Ravit Kraus and Robert Kraus. The event took place during Operation Protective Edge:

Despite the threatening weather, over 180 guests enjoyed great food, all while raising over $57,000 and counting for FIDF’s Rapid Response Fund. As such, all proceeds from the evening will go towards providing real-time aid to IDF soldiers on the ground during Operation Protective Edge.

On November 8, 2014 the New Jersey chapter of the FIDF held its 10th annual 'IDF Tribute Dinner'. The event raised more than $600,000. The guest of honour was IDF Adm. (Ret.) Eliezer Marum, former Commander of the Israeli Navy.

On October 30, 2014 the Chicago chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala in support of the IDF. $2 million was raised at the event. Prominent attendees included Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL); former Republican Representative Bob Dold, and the nominee for Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner. Other attendees included FIDF National Chairman, Mrs. Nily Falic; FIDF National Executive Director, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan E. Scholnick; FIDF National Director and CEO Emeritus, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; and FIDF Midwest Region Executive Director, Tamir Oppenheim. The event was also attended by a number of soldiers who participated in Operation Protective Edge.

On July 27, 2014 the FIDF's Central Region Women's Brigade hosted the women's brigade annual benefit. The event raised $65,000 for the FIDF's legacy program.

On February 26, 2014 the the FIDF 'Palm Springs Benefit for Israel's Soldiers' was held at the Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. The event raised $212,000 for the FIDF. The keynote speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovich, Head of the Interactive Media Branch at the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. At the event Leibovich commented that:

Digital media has revolutionized the way we are able to reach audiences globally and with it our potential to change public opinion. The media war is an ongoing battle for public opinion... As head of the IDF’s Interactive Media Branch, we manage 30 individual digital media accounts across 9 platforms 24/7. The IDF has accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram and Google +, as well as the official IDF Blogs and thousands of videos on our YouTube accounts. And we do it all in six languages..."

On July 14, 2004 the Chicago chapter held its annual 'Guys Night Out Event' at the Dana Hotel, Chicago:

The annual event allows local FIDF supporters to connect for a good cause, while sampling fine cigars, top-shelf bourbon, BBQ and casino-style gaming, at the Dana Hotel’s Vertigo Sky Lounge overlooking downtown Chicago.

The event raised over $110,000 for the FIDF.

In 2014 the San Francisco chapter of the FIDF held a Gala Dinner attended by 450 supporters of the FIDF. It was not reported how much money was raised at the event.

In 2014 the Young Leadership Division of the Greater Miami and Palm Beach/Broward Chapters of the FIDF held its 10th annual casino night. The event raised $115,000.

On February 27, 2014 the FIDF Greater Miami Chapter held its 2014 Solidarity Gala. Attendees included Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Canada, Maj. Gen. Yaacob Ayish. The event raised $3.3 million for the FIDF.

On October 30, 2014 the New England chapter of the FIDF held its annual dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in Boston. Ten soldiers who fought in Operation Protective Edge were present at the event. The keynote speaker was Ron Dermer, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

2013

The New York Real Estate Division of the FIDF began an annual golf tournament in 2012 which raised $270,000 in 2013 and $250,000 in 2012.

The 2013 New York Gala reportedly raised $27 million. The event was chaired by Arthur Stark, FIDF Chairman Emeritus whilst radio host, Dr. Monica Crowley, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Other attendees included: FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic; FIDF National President, Julian Josephson; FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; Former IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. (Res.) Gabi Ashkenazi; Founder and President of The International Fellowship of Christian and Jews, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein; Israeli-American fashion designer, Elie Tahari; President of the New York Yankees, Randy Levine and his wife, Mindy; American real estate tycoon and media proprietor, Mort Zuckerman; and American sex therapist, media personality, and author, Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

On October 22, 2013 the FIDF Western Region Gala was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. More than $20 million was raised at the event. Musicians Lionel Richie and David Foster were in attendance as was Simon Cowell who donated $150,000. Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl Saban served as chairs at the event. Major donations included $4.5 million from Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, $3.5 million from Vicki and Ron Simms of Simms Commercial Development, $2.3 million from Cheryl and Haim Saban, $2 million from Younes Nazarian, Co-Founder of Qualcomm, and his wife Soraya, and $1 million from Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle.

The event was emceed by FIDF National and Western Region President, Julian Josephson. Attendees included Avi Arad, CEO of Marvel Studios and Founder of Arad Productions Inc., and his wife Joyce, Avi Lerner, Co-Chairman of NuImage, brothers Maurice and Paul Marciano of Guess Jeans, Ben Silverman, Founder and CEO of Electus, and his wife Jennifer Cuoco, Casey Wasserman of Wasserman Media Group, and Eli Tene, Co-Founder, Co-Managing Director and Principal of Peak Corporate Network and a Co-Founder and former Co-Chairman of the Israeli American Council, and his wife Dafna. FIDF members present included Nily Falic, FIDF National Chairman, Julian Josephson, FIDF National and Western Region President, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, FIDF National Director and CEO, Leo David, FIDF Western Region Founder and Chairman, and his wife Ruth.

On March 19, 2013 the Western Region chapter of the IDF held the 2nd annual 'Saving Lives Gala'. Held at the Universal Hilton Hotel the event raised $305,000. Attendees included the Consul General of Israel David Siegel, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congressman Brad Sherman, and Congressman Henry Waxman.

On January 19, 2013, the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Israel Defense Forces held its annual 'Gala Appreciation Dinner' in honour of the Israeli Air Force. Speakers at the event included keynote speaker Brigadier General David Bark and Major General Avi Mizrachi. More than $500,000 was raised at the event.

On November 14, 2013 the Long Island chapter of the FIDF held its 8th annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'. The event raised more than $1 million.

On November 23, 2013 the FIDF New Jersey chapter held its 9th annual 'IDF Tribute Dunner'. $1.1 million was raised at the event. The keynote speaker was Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish, Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Canada.

In September 2013 the New York Real Estate Division of the FIDF held its second 'Annual Golf Outing' which raised $270,000.

In 2013 the San Francisco chapter of the FIDF held a Gala Dinner to raise funds for the FIDF. It was not reported how much money was raised at the event.

On July 2, 2013 the FIDF Central Region Women's Brigade hosted a 'Ladies Night Out' attended by more than 100 women from the Chicago area to raise money for the FIDF LEGACY program. Over $60,000 was raised at the event.

On October 3, 2013 the FIDF Michigan chapter held its 17th annual gala. No data on how much was raised at the event appears to be available.

On October 17, 2013 the Ohio chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. Attendees included former Israel Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Dr. Ephraim Sneh. It was not reported how much was raised at the event.

On May 30, 2013 the Ohio Chapter of the FIDF held its 2nd annual 'Guys Night Out' at the Beechmont Country Club in Cleveland, OH. The event raised over $100,000.

On February 28, 2013 the Greater Miami chapter of the FIDF held its annual Solidarity Gala. The event raised $2.5 million. Speakers at the event included British Army, Colonel Richard Kemp:

Colonel Kemp shed light on “Operation Pillar of Defense,” and commended the Israel army for exercising extreme discretion and accuracy when targeting terrorist groups such as Hamas in order to prevent casualties...

The event was co-chaired by Edith and Joel Newman. The keynote speaker was Cesar Alvarez Executive Chairman of Greenberg-Traurig, an international law firm.

On January 18, 2013 the Palm Beach/Broward Region chapter of the FIDF held its annual Solidarity Gala. The event raised more than $1.4 million. The keynote speaker at the event was Avi Mizrahi. Attendees included honourees Dr. Robert Litowitz and Donna Litowitz and the recipients of the FIDF award - Dr. Gail Rubin Kwal and Richard Kwal. Other attendees included: FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic; FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; Counsel General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, Chaim Shacham; Deputy Counsel General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, Revital Malka; and Israel Ministry of Defense Attaché to Canada, Brig. Gen. Eden Attias.

On November 19, 2013 the New England Chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event. Prominent attendees included Lieutenant General (Res.) Gabi Ashkenazi, Leonard Adelson and Irwin Chafetz.

On May 7, 2013 the Atlanta chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala at the Georgia Aquarium. More than $250,000 was raised at the event. Prominent attendees included: FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Gershon; FIDF Deputy National Director, Col. (Ret.) Pinhas Zoaretz; Israel's Naval Attaché, Capt. Ronen Nimni and keynote speaker, Head of the IDF Command and Staff College, Maj. Gen. Yoseph Baidatz.

On May 14, 2013 the Washington D.C. chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala at the Washington Hebrew Congregation. More than $350,000 was raised at the event. Attendees included keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Gershon, FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish, Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Canada, and Capt. Ronen Nimni, Israel’s Naval Attaché.

A message of support was sent by US Vice President Joseph Biden:

Our Administration remains committed to the security of the State of Israel and to promoting a lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors. Organizations like FIDF play a significant role as our two nations continue working toward these goals,” mentioned Biden in a special greeting letter that he submitted to FIDF to be read at the event.

On October 29, 2013, the FIDF’s Baltimore Chapter held their 5th Annual Gala. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

On May 5, 2013 the Texas chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. The event raised $300,000. The keynote speaker at the event was IDF Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish, Israel’s Defense and Armed Services attaché to the United States and Canada.

2012

Singer Stevie Wonder had been due to perform at an FIDF gala in December 2012 but pulled out after being asked not to by a number of organisations. The singer Chaka Khan did perform at the event which raised some $14m for the FIDF. Other attendees included: CEO of Oracle,Larry Ellison; Co-Founders of Guess, Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano; Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attache to the U.S. and Canada, Maj. Gen. Yaakov Ayash; FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic; FIDF National President, Julian Josephson; FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Gershon; Hollywood film producer, Meir Tepper and his wife Katya Tepper; Israeli actresses Noa Tishby and Moran Atias; actors Dolph Lundgren and Robert Forster; Avi Arad of Arad Productions, Inc; Avi Lerner of NuImage; Mel Woods, President of MGA Entertainment; Ben Silverman, former Chairman of NBC; Roger Ailes of the Fox News Channel; Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures; and Danny Dimbort of Red Granite Pictures.

On May 17, 2012 the Washington chapter of the FIDF held its inaugural Founders' Dinner at Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac, Maryland. Over $300,000 was raised at the event. The event was held in honour of Major General Gadi Shamni, Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States and Canada. Other attendees included: National FIDF Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; Director of Policy and Government Affairs at American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Marvin Feuer; Attaché from Spain Rear Admiral Javier Romero; Pastor Emeritus of Windsor Hills Baptist Church and Director of Yedidim of Israel, Dr. Jim Vineyard; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade and Regional Security, Beth McCormick.

On February 23, 2012 the Western Region chapter of the FIDF, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Russian Community, held the first annual 'Saving Lives Gala'. The event raised $225,000.

On October 16, 2012 the FIDF's Long Island chapter held its 7th annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'. The keynote speaker was Dr. Ruth Westheimer who served in the Haganah in 1948. The event raised over $850,000.

On May 23, 2012 FIDF supporters from the Long Island area attended the 'Five Towns and Greater South Shore Inaugural Community Event'. The event raised over $300,000.

On December 15, 2012 the New Jersey chapter of the FIDF held its 8th annual 'IDF Tribute Dinner'. The event raised more than $1 million. The keynote speaker at the event was the Consul General of Israel in New York, Ido Aharoni. Other prominent attendees included FIDF National Chairman Emeritus Arthur Stark and FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon.

On September 12, 2012 the New York Real Estate Division of the FIDF held its first 'Annual Gold Outing'. The event raised more than $250,000.

On January 21, 2012 the San Diego chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. Co-chaired by Jackie S. Gmach, Marilyn Smiedt and Barbara Warren the event's keynote speaker was Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Moshe Ya’alon, Vice Prime Minister of Israel.

In 2012 the San Francisco chapter of the FIDF held a Gala Dinner to raise funds for the FIDF. It was not reported how much money was raised at the event.

On October 29, 2012 the FIDF Central Region held its annual dinner at the Hilton Chicago. The Keynote speaker was Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Former IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Moshe Ya’alon. Other prominent attendees included: FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic; FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. Res. Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon and FIDF Central Region Chairman, Jorde Nathan. The event raised $1.3 million.

On August 5, 2012 the FIDF Central Region held a 'Summer Benefit for Israel's Soldiers'. The keynote speaker was Former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni:

Tzipi Livni... discussed the challenges facing Israel in a changing global environment.

Attendees included Sgt. Izzy Ezagui a soldier wounded in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. The event raised $1.6 million for the FIDF.

In 2012 the Michigan chapter of the FIDF held its 16th annual gala dinner. Data on how much was raised at the event does not appear to be available.

On September 11, 2012 the Ohio chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. It was not reported how much was raised at the event.

In 2012 the Greater Miami chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. The event raised more than $2.3 million. Attendees included FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic; FIDF National Director, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; President of the Greater Miami Chapter, Dr. Shmuel Katz; Executive Director of the FIDF Florida Region, Dina Ben-Ari; and Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Canada, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni.

On January 8, 2012 the Palm Beach/Broward Region chapter of the FIDF held its annual Solidarity Gala. Prominent attendees included IDF Major General Gadi Shamni, Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attache’ to the United States and Canada, IDF Colonel Eyal Rozen and IDF Major Oron Mincha. More than $1.3 million was raised at the event.

On May 17, 2012 the Washington DC chapter of the FIDF held its inaugural Founders’ Dinner. Over $300,000 was raised at the event. Attendees included Major General Gadi Shamni, Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States and Canada; FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Gershon; Director of Policy and Government Affairs at American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Marvin Feuer; Attaché from Spain Rear Admiral Javier Romero; Pastor Emeritus of Windsor Hills Baptist Church and Director of Yedidim of Israel, Dr. Jim Vineyard; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade and Regional Security, Beth McCormick.

On December 11, 2012 the Midatlantic Region (Baltimore) chapter of the FIDF held its fourth annual gala. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

2011

At the 30th annual FIDF dinner in New York on March 22, 2011 over $23 million were raised for the FIDF. The keynote speaker was then minister of defence Ehud Barak. Other attendees included six former IDF Chiefs of staff - Lt. Gen. (Res.) Amnon Lipkin-Shahak (1995-1998), Lt. Gen. (Res.) Shaul Mofaz (1998-2002), Lt. Gen. (Res.) Moshe Ya'alon (2002-2005), Lt. Gen. (Res.) Dan Halutz (2005-2007), and Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi (2007-2011) and (by satellite link) then current chief of staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz. Contributions included $8.5 million donated by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

The event, held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, was chaired for the fifteenth time by Benny Shabtai. Author and radio host Dr. Monica Crowley served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

On December 8th, 2011 the Western Region chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala. Chaired by Cheryl and Haim Saban the event raised more than $2.5 million. According to the FIDF website gala co-chairs included:

Roger and Beth Ailes, Joyce & Avi Arad, Itta & Irving Bauman, Hon. Lili & Jon Bosse, Megan & Peter Chernin, Lissa & Adam Chesnoff, Ruth & Leo David, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Mathias Dopfner, Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer, Erika Glazer, Sue & Larry Hochberg, Kennon & Robert Hudson, the Israeli Leadership Council, Tsipi & Daniel Mani, Mareva & Paul Marciano, Kelly & Ron Meyer, Pouran & Parviz Nazarian, Joelle & Jack Rimokh, Linda & Tony Rubin, Fela & David Shapell, Vicki & Ron Simms, Susan & Eric Smidt, David Wiener, Andrea & Steve Wynn and Joyce Zeff. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces was represented by the presence of National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, National Chairman Nily Falic, National President Julian Josephson and National Vice President and President of the Western Region Rabbi Isaac Jeret.

Celebrity attendees included Antonio Banderas and Barbra Streisand who performed at the event.

The annual Gala Dinner of the FIDF Michigan Chapter was held on October 25, 2011. The event reportedly raised $1.6 million.

On September 20, 2011 the Long Island chapter of the FIDF held its 6th Annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'. More than $650,000 was raised at the event.

On November 5, 2011 the New Jersey chapter of the FIDF held its 7th annual 'IDF Tribute Dinner'. More than $600,000 was raised at the event.

On December 12, 2011 the New York Real Estate Division of the FIDF reported that it had thus far raised $470,000 towards the costs of building an expanded 'Wellbeing Center' for IDF soldiers of Armor Battalion 71 of the 188th Brigade:

This state of the art facility will include a gym, media room, library, canteen and club, and will allow soldiers to unwind and relax from the rigors of daily life on a combat base.

On September 26, 2011 the FIDF Central Region Chapter held its annual dinner at the Hilton Chicago. The event raised more than $1.6 million. Prominent attendees included Honorary Dinner Chair Lester Crown, Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, US Congressman Robert J. Dold, Israel’s Consul General to the Midwest Orly Gil, visiting IDF Attachés from Washington DC and IDF soldiers from Israel. The keynote speaker was Lieutenant General (retired) H. Steven Blum. Also in attendance was an Israeli tank commander, Ron Weinreich, who was wounded in the Second Lebanon War.

On September 9, 2011 the FIDF Central Region Chapter held its summer event. Hosted by Hezi Levy, Israel Levy, and [[[Judd Malkin]] the principle guest speaker was Meir Dagan, former Director of the Mossad. Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon National Director of the FIDF was also present at the event. The event raised a total of $5.6 million.

On September 7, 2011 the Ohio chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. It was not reported as to how much money was raised at the event.

On March 8, 2011 the Greater Miami chapter of the FIDF held its annual Solidarity Dinner. Attendees included George Feldenkreis and his children: Fanny Feldenkreis Hanono and Oscar Feldenkrei. The event raised $2 million for the FIDF.

In 2011 the Palm Beach/Broward Chapter of the FIDF held its annual Gala Dinner. Attendees included Senator and Mrs. Ted Deutch, FIDF National President Nily Falic and FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yitzhak Gershon. The keynote speakers were Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Giora Eiland, head of Israel’s National Security Council and Professor Alan Dershowitz. It was not reported how much was raised at the event.

On October 23, 2011 the Midatlantic Region (Baltimore) Chapter of the FIDF held its 3rd annual gala dinner. The keynote speaker at the event was former US Senator Joseph Lieberman. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

2010

The FIDF 2010 National New York Gala Dinner raised $20 million including the following major gifts: $4 million from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ); $750,000 from The Genesis Philanthropy, $500,000 from the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York (IAJF); and $100,000 from fashion designer Elie Tahari.

The keynote speaker at the dinner was the then Chief of the IDF General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. The event was chaired by Mr. Benny Shabatai. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addressed the gathering via satellite.

Notable attendees included: IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Avi Benayahu; Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Professor Gabriela Shalev; Israel’s Consul General in New York, Assaf Shariv; Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S.A. and Canada, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni; popular Israeli musician, Idan Reichel; and photojournalist Ziv Koren.

The Western Region Gala held at the Los Angeles Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel on December 9th 2010 raised $8.8 Million. The event was chaired by Cheryl Saban and Haim Saban. Donations included $1 million from Leo David (founder and then Chairman of the FIDF Western Region) 1$ million from Paul Guerin (FIDF Western Region President) and his wife Vera Guerin, $1.5 million from Paul Marciano and his brother Maurice Marciano.

According to the FIDF gala co-chairs included:

Roger and Beth Ailes, Adele & Beny Alagem, Joyce & Avi Arad, Itta & Irving Bauman, Lili & Jon Bosse, Les Moonves and the CBS Corporation, Megan & Peter Chernin, Lissa & Adam Chesnoff, Ruth & Leo David, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer, Erika Glazer, Susan Graysen, Vera & Paul Guerin, Sue & Larry Hochberg, the Israeli Leadership Council, The Jena & Michael King Foundation, The Maurice Marciano Family Foundation, Paul Marciano, Barry & Wendy Meyer Foundation, Joelle & Jack Rimokh, Linda & Tony Rubin, Fela & David Shapell, Ben Silverman & Jennifer Cuoco, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation, Susan & Eric Smidt, Laura & Casey Wasserman, Adi & Phil Werthman, David Wiener, and Ann & Mel Woods.

Three musicians performed at the event: David Foster, Andrea Bocelli and Katherine McPhee.

On August 2, 2010 the FIDF sponsored a Nefesh B’Nefesh chartered flight bringing 85 new IDF soldiers from the U.S. to Israel. The Western Region chapter's chairman of the National Rabbinic Cabinet, Rabbi Isaac Jeret accompanied the soldiers on the flight to Tel Aviv.

On November 20th, 2010 the Westchester/Connecticut Chapter of the FIDF held its 7th annual Gala dinner. Over $400,000 were raised at the event. In the course of 2010 the Westchester/Conneticut chapter raised over $2.5 million.

On September 21, 2010 the FIDF's Long Island chapter held its 5th Annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'.

On May 23, 2010 the FIDF's Long Island Teen Leadership held a barbecue to raise funds for the FIDF. More than $10,000 was raised.

On November 6, 2010 the New Jersey chapter of the FIDF held its 6th annual 'IDF Tribute Dinner'. More than $500,000 was raised at the event.

On November 16, 2010 the New York Real Estate division of the FIDF held its fifth annual 'Real Estate reception'. The event raised close to $500,000 for use by the Ga'ash Armor Division in the occupied Golan Heights:

On November 16th, 2010 more than 600 guests filled Gotham Hall in NYC in support of the soldiers of the IDF. The emotional night raised nearly $500,000 to be used in the construction of four wellbeing centers for the Ga'ash Armor Division in the Golan Heights. The Ga'ash Armor Division is the largest armor division in the IDF and these wellbeing centers will provide its combat soldiers with a much-deserved place to relax and recharge, away from the daily stress of life in a combat unit.

On October 30, 2010 the San Diego Chapter of the FIDF held its first annual gala. The keynote speaker at the event was former head of the Mossad, Major General (Ret.) Danny Yatom:

Yatom warned the audience that terrorism will not stop and Iran is a threat not only to Israel, but the United States and the rest of the world.

In its report on the event the FIDF website included the following comment:

A special thanks to the honorees of the evening, Charles and Randi Wax from San Diego, California, Carl and Gigi Allen of Texas and Carl and Elizabeth Allen Sr. of Atlanta for their continued support and commitment to Israel. As a result of their generosity, several clubhouses have been built on IDF bases. In addition, a recreational/auditorium complex, the largest to date on an IDF on the Golan, has also been built.

On October 19, 2010 the FIDF Central Region held its 23rd annual dinner. It was not reported how much money was raised at the event. Attendees included keynote speaker IDF Major General and Director of Military Intelligence Amos Yadlin. Also present was IDF Lieutenant General (ret.) Dan Haloutz.

In the summer of 2010 the FIDF Central Region held its annual summer benefit event. Hosted by Hezi Levy and Judd Malkin the keynote speaker was IDF Major General Gadi Shamni. The event raised $4.3 million for the FIDF.

On October 5, 2010 the Ohio chapter of the FIDF held its annual gala dinner. The special guest at the event was Maj. Gen. (Res.) Moshe Kaplinsky, CEO of Better Place, Israel Ltd. and the FIDF representative in Israel. It was not reported how much was raised at the event.

On October 9, 2010 the Miami Young Leadership Division of the FIDF in conjunction with Dezer Development and Universal Insurance Inc. held its 6th Annual Poker & Casino Night. The event raised more than $165,000.

On March 11, 2010 the Greater Miami chapter of the FIDF held its annual Solidarity Dinner. The honourees at the dinner were Michael Dezer and Neomi Dezer. Other attendees included Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, Chief of the Israel Defense Forces General Staff and Professor Alan Dershowitz, of Harvard Law School. The event raised close to $1,700,000.

On November 15, 2010 the New England chapter of the FIDF held its seventh annual. Speakers included Shai Bazak, the Israeli Consul General to New England and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

On April 14, 2010 the Atlanta chapter of the FIDF held its inaugural annual dinner. The event was chaired by Billi and Bernard Marcus. It was not reported as to how much was raised at the event.

2009

On December 17, 2009 the FIDF Western Region chapter held its annual Gala which raised $5.2 million. The event was chaired by Cheryl & Haim Saban. Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame served as Master of Ceremonies for the event whose Co-Chairs included Adele & Beny Alagem, Joyce & Avi Arad, Steve Bing, Joyce & Stanley Black, Ruth & Leo David, Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer, Erika Glazer, Vera & Paul Guerin, Sue & Larry J. Hockberg, Israeli Leadership Council, Jena & Michael King, Avi Lerner & Danny Dimbort, Nathalie & Maurice Marciano, Katherine Merage, Soraya & Younes Nazarian, Fela & David Shapell, Victoria & Ron Simms, Adi & Philip Werthman, and Lila & David Wiener. Major donations included $1.6 million from Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl and $1 million pledged by Western Region President Paul Guerin. Victoria and Ron Simms donated $500,000 and a donation of the same amount was pledged by Erika Glazer.

The New Jersey Chapter of the Friends of the FIDF hosted its Fifth Annual Gala Dinner on October 24, 2009 at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel, East Rutherford New Jersey. Over $400,000 were raised. Attendees included: Major General Yoav Galant – then Commander of the IDF Southern Command. Israeli Consul General Mr. Asaf Shariv, Colonel – Michael Edelstein, Deputy Consul General Benjamin Krasnow, Israel’s Economic Minister to North America Yair Shiran. The event co-chairs were Mr. & Mrs. Sammy Bar Or, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gross, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gross and Mr. Avi Oren.

On December 5th, 2009 1300 young FIDF supporters attended the 2009 Casino Night Gala at the the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. British singer Estelle was amongst those present. Approximately half a million dollars was raised at the event.

On October 24, 2009 the New Jersey chapter of the FIDF held its fifth annual 'IDF Tribute Dinner'. The event raised more than $400,000. Attendees included: keynote speaker Major General Yoav Galant – Commander of the IDF Southern Command; Israeli Consul General Asaf Shariv; Colonel – Michael Edelstein; Deputy Consul General Benjamin Krasnow; and Israel’s Economic Minister to North America Yair Shiran.

On December 5, 2009 the FIDF Young Leadership - New York chapter held its 7th annual Casino Night Gala. The event raised approximately $500,000. Attendees included British singer-songwriter, Estelle.

On October 21, 2009 the FIDF Central Region presented Jeffrey Silverman with the Yonatan Netanyahu Award. The event was hosted by Chairman Jorde M. Nathan and Vice-Chairmen Hezi Levy. The keynote speaker was IDF Lieutenant General (Res.) Dan Haloutz, Former IDF Chief of the General Staff and Former Commander of the Israeli Air Force. More than $2.2 million was raised at the event.

On October 17, 2009 the Florida FIDF Young Leadership Division held its annual Poker & Casino Night. The event raised more than $125,000.

On November 16, 2009 the New England chapter of the FIDF held its annual fundraising dinner. The event raised $650,000. Guest speakers at the event were Colonel Richard Kemp, former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan and Major General (Ret.) Danny Yatom, former Head of the Mossad:

He [Richard Kemp] received a standing ovation from the crowd for his courageous defense of the ethical behavior of the soldiers of the IDF by refuting the allegations of the Goldstone Report on the 2009 Gaza Campaign at the United Nations.

Funding and finances

In 2012 the total assets of the organisation amounted to $126,649,916 Since 2000 FIDF has declined to reveal the names of its foreign grantees.

The table below provides data on the top ten charitable foundation donors to FIDF. For the complete breakdown of known charitable contributions to the FIDF: FIDF: sources of funding

Top Twenty Foundation Donors to FIDF. Amounts in US$.
Foundation	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	Total 2002-2013
Leroy Schecter Foundation	0	0	0	0	110,000	1,150,000	416,700	1,383,767	1,700,920	2,700,000	550 000	0	8,011,387
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2,000,000	3,425,000	2,516,000	0	0	7,941,000
Marcus Foundation	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5,000	1,800	1,000,000	2,025,000	-	3,031,800
David and Fela Shapell Family Foundation	330,000	526,100	0	95,500	75,200	103,571	360,000	355,200	365,500	350,400	50,900	14,000	2,626,371
Shillman Foundation	0	8,092	303,250	250,000	275,000	250,500	298,000	254,000	302,000	250,000	250,250	0	2,441,092
Mitzi & Warren Eisenberg Family Foundation	43,050	225,000	150,000	141,000	140,000	25,000	326,000	25,000	300,000	170,000	350,000	-	1,895,050
Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1,600,000	1,600,000
Thomas Jefferson Rosenberg Foundation	0	250,000	253,000	247,300	174,479	109,500*	207,200*	111,000*	1,000*	208,350*	30,500*	-	1,592,329
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston	0	0	0	0	217,070	529,280	110,080	227,750	93,708	120,380	192,730	-	1,490,998
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland	50,000	32,255	106,500	66,619	152,855	146,720	25,020	124,116	25,650	108,321	184,129	-	1,022,185
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation	-	-	110,000	-	110,000	0	250,000	0	250,000	0	250 000	-	970,000
Lisa and Michael Leffell Foundation	1,860	8,050	20,200	27,520	71,410	538,000	64,000	75,750	100,000	4,040	0	0	910,830
Michael and Florence Edelstein Foundation	-	-	-	0	110,000	10,000	5,425	122,400	110,000	10,000	360,000	100,000	827,825
Circle of Service Foundation	0	100,000	50,000	0	104,360	50,000	50,000	52,000	100,000	50,540	50,000	52,500	659,400
Julie and Martin Franklin Charitable Foundation	1,000	11,500	0	7,400	12,000	1,800	100,000	10,000	100,720	199,280	100,500	-	544,200
United Jewish Foundation	0	0	24,720	55,500	164,900	101,175	25,725	24,310	24,084	5,000	55,260	31,110	511,784
Galter Foundation	25,000	60,000	125,000	116,000	116,000	56,000	0	0	500	1,000	1,500	2,500	503,500
Weintraub Family Foundation	-	-	-	-	-	201,090	100,000	0	8,000	3,000	126,000	-	438,090
M. B. Seretean Foundation	0	12,000	16,800	105,618	92,000	176,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	402,418
Jacques Asseoff Charitable Trust	73,810	60,000	50,527	45,687	48,905	45,000	-	-	-	-	-	-	397,439

Revenue and Assets of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in $
	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	Total 2008-2012
Investment Income	106,070	212,663	243,785	405,719	1,167,418	1,954,464	1,534,680	1,051,672	1,350,890	928,602	1,258,817	10,214,780
Income from Fundraising Events	3,997,765	5,496,641	6,317,489	8,630,171	9,914,798	13,048,567	13,549,482	13,124,230	13,829,483	34,478,879	42,703,695	165,091,200
Total Revenue	15,112,321	17,747,201	23,246,089	32,228,513	47,654,966	61,131,706	48,131,029	47,012,549	58,224,980	62,187,145	68,314,942	480,991,441
Net Assets	10,800,478	16,839,581	21,174,928	29,799,980	43,332,745	68 247 687	70,573,765	71,507,990	79,632,929	80,893,831	87,003,328	579,807,242

Amounts Raised at Fundraising Events in US$
	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	Total 2008-2012
California Dinner	N/S	N/S	-	748,443	1,206,232	2,216,003	0	0	0	0	-	4,170,678
Chicago Dinner	N/S	N/S	484,437	-	-	-	-	-	-	2,166,173	-	2,650,610
Los Angeles Dinner	N/S	N/S	-	-	-	-	0	0	2,387,959	2,166,173	10,623,471	15,177,603
New York Dinner	N/S	N/S	2,902,531	2,235,596	3,506,025	4,406,081	5,087,781	3,838,005	4,153,350	18,744,640	17,378,478	62,252,487
Southern Florida Dinner	N/S	N/S	797,398	996,636	949,654	1,322,963	1,275,019	1,243,981	0	0	-	6,585,651
Non Differentiated Dinners	3,997,765	5,496,641	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9,494,406
Other Events	-	-	2,133,123	4,649,496	4,252,887	5,103,520	7,186,682	8,042,244	7,288,174	11,401,893	14,701,746	64,759,765
Total Raised	3,997,765	5,496,641	6,317,489	8,630,171	9,914,798	13,048,567	13,549,482	13,124,230	13,829,483	34,478,879	42,703,695	165,091,200

People

Circa March 2015

FIDF National Staff

• National Director and CEO - Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir
• Chief Financial Officer - Mr. Ron Aloni
• Chief Operations Officer - Ms. Lilach Ohad

Circa November 2014

FIDF National Staff

• National Executive director - Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir
• Chief Executive Officer - Mr. Alan E. Scholnick
• Chief Financial Officer - Mr. Ron Aloni
• Chief Operations Officer - Ms. Lilach Ohad

Circa December 2012

• Regional Director - Yitzhak Gershon
• Chief Financial Officer - Jonathan Bernstein
• Deputy National Director - Pinhas Zoaretz (Zoaretz was the commanding officer of the Israeli military's Gaza Division's Southern Brigade when Rachel Corrie was killed.
• Executive Director - Miri Nash
• Executive Director - Elissa Kohel
• Executive Director - Dina Benari
• Executive Director - Nir Benzvi

As of the end of 2012 FIDF had 130 paid employees and 69 unpaid volunteers.

National Board Members - circa 2015

Arthur Stark - Chairman * | Nily Falic - Chairman Emeritus * | Larry J. Hochberg - Chairman Emeritus * | Marvin Josephson - Chairman Emeritus | Robert Cohen - Vice President * | Morris Silverman - Vice President * | Dr. Michael Kalisman - Secretary * | Stephen Wayne Rubin, Esq - Legal Counsel * | Ricki Alon | Harvey Axelrod | Gary Balter | Sammy Bar-Or | Ronny Ben-Josef | Scott Black | Alan Brody | Ruth David | Leo David | Oscar Feldenkreis | Tony Felzen | William Fox | Al Frank | Pat Frank | Harry Gross * | Paul Guerin | Irwin Haber | Daniel J. Hyman | Mike Izak | Mark Jason | Jerry Kaplan | Dr. Shmuel Katz | Shari Kaufman | Alon Kaufman | Jared Kushner | Richard Kwal | Avi Lerner | Israel Levy | Nathan Lewinger | Nicole Lowenstein | Gerald Mizel | Sam Moshe | Jorde Nathan | Soraya Nazarian | Younes Nazarian | Ann Newman | Melinda Lowell Paltrow | Marc Perlman | Robert Polak | Peter Reisman | Israel Roizman | Tony Rubin | Ari Ryan | Haim Saban * | Monica Sasson | Steve Schultz | Robin Selati | Benny Shabtai | Fela Shapell | Gary Shiffman | Dr. Robert J. Shillman | Joseph Sieber | Ron Simms | Norman Smith | Garry Sobel | Lloyd Sokoloff | Rabbi Peter Weintraub | Elie Weiss | Michael Werner | David Wiener |Shahram Yaghoubzadeh | Ofer Yardeni | Robert Zarnegin | Arie Zweig *National Executive Committee Member

National Board Members - circa 2014

Nily Falic - Chairman * Arthur Stark - Chairman Emeritus * | Larry J. Hochberg - Chairman Emeritus * | Marvin Josephson - Chairman Emeritus | Marc Jason - Vice Presidents * | Dr. Michael Kalisman - Vice Presidents* | Morris Silverman - Secretary * | Stephen Wayne Rubin, Esq - Legal Counsel* | Ricki Alon | Harvey Axelrod | Gary Balter | Sammy Bar-Or | Ronny Ben-Josef | Scott Black | Alan Brody | Robert Cohen | Ruth & Leo David | Oscar Feldenkreis | Tony Felzen | William Fox | Al Frank | Pat Frank | Martin E. Franklin | Erika Glazer | Fred Gluckman * | Harry Gross * | Daniel J. Hyman | Jerry Kaplan | Dr. Shmuel Katz | Shari Kaufman | Alon Kaufman | Jared Kushner | Richard Kwal | Avi Lerner | Israel Levy | Nathan Lewinger | Dr. Herbert London | Nicole Lowenstein | Gerald Mizel | Sam Moshe | Michael Nachman | Jorde Nathan | Soraya Nazarian | Younes Nazarian | Ann Newman | Melinda Lowell Paltrow | Marc Perlman | Robert Polak | Peter Reisman | Israel Roizman | Tony Rubin | Haim Saban * | Monica Sasson | Steve Schultz | Robin Selati | Benny Shabtai | Fela Shapell | David Shapell | Gary Shiffman | Dr. Robert Shillman | Joseph Sieber | Ron Simms | Norman Smith | Garry Sobel | Lloyd Sokoloff | Rabbi Peter Weintraub | Zev Weiss | Michael Werner | Dr. Phillip Werthman | David Wiener | Shahram Yaghoubzadeh | Ofer Yardeni | Robert Zarnegin | Arie Zweig

• National Executive Committee Member

Notable Supporters

Bruce C.Abrams, President LR Development Co., Prism Mortgage Co.

Chapters

The FIDF has the following regional chapters: Long Island | New Jersey | Westchester/CT | New York | NY Real Estate Division | Young Leadership NY | Los Angeles | San Diego | San Francisco Bay Area | Seattle | Chicago | Michigan | Ohio | Greater Miami | Palm Beach/Broward | New England | Southeast Region | Midatlantic | Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey | Texas | Panama | Las Vegas

Resources, Contact, Notes

Contact

Address: 1430 Broadway No. 1301, New York, NY 10018

Tel: (212) 244-3118

Web: http://www.fidf.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIDFNational?ref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FIDF

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7K7G-2SYPJRGH17-rCI8mQ