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 is the US branch of the Israel based organisation the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soliders. The organisation provides the following description of its activities on its webpage: [1]

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. [2]

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." [3]

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.[4]

The organisation works with the Nefesh B'Nefesh organisation to facilitate the arrival and integration of new Olim to Israel and organises welcoming events at Ben Gurion airport. [5]

Operation Protective Edge

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. [6] 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. [7] 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." [8]

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."[9]

In September 2014 reality TV star and music producer Simon Cowell donated $150,000 dollars to the FIDF.[10] 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.[11]

Singer Barabara Streisand is also a supporter of the FIDF and has performed at FIDF events.[12]

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.[13] The singer Chaka Khan did perform at the event which raised some $14m for the FIDF.[14]

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.[15] 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. 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."[16]

Another gala event held in Florida in March 2014 raised more than $3.3 million for the organisation. [17] 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.[18]

According to the Jerusalem post the FIDF together with the The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews awarded over NIS 57 million to low-income soldiers in Israel between 2008 and 2013.[19] The two organisations declared that they would provide some NIS 12 million to 8,000 Israeli soldiers in 2014.[20]

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.[21]

Through the FIDF's "Adopt a Brigade project" [22] Oil Refineries Ltd. Israel's largest integrated refining and petrochemical group, has sponsored the Hatmar military unit. [23] 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."[24]

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. [25]

The FIDF has organised trips, accompanied by IDF soldiers, to Nazi death camps in Poland for financial contributors to the organisation. [26]

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. [27]

Programmes

IMPACT! Scholarship Program - throught 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."[28]

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."[29]

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."[30]

Amir Course Cultivating the Integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into Military and Civilian Society[31]

"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."[32]

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."[33]

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"[34]


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."[35]


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.[22]


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."[36]


LEGACY Program

Provides support to surviving relatives of deceased IDF soldiers. [37]


Lone Soldiers Program

Provides financial and other assistance to "Lone Soldiers" - IDF personnel whose families live outside of Israel. [38]


Wounded Soldiers Sports and Recreation Program

"Helping wounded IDF soldiers during and after their rehabilitation process through a variety of wellbeing and recreational activities." [39]


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."[40]


People

Circa November 2014

FIDF National Staff

Circa December 2012

As of the end of 2012 FIDF had 130 paid employees and 69 unpaid volunteers. [43]

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[44]

Notable Supporters

Bruce C.Abrams, President LR Development Co., Prism Mortgage Co. [45]

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 [46]

Funding and finances

In 2012 the total assets of the organisation amounted to $126,649,916[47] Since 2000 FIDF has declined to reveal the names of its foreign grantees.[48]

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 Ten Foundation Donors to FIDF. Amounts in US$.[49]
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
Marcus Foundation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,000 1,800 1,000,000 2,025,000 - 3,031,800
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
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
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
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





Revenue and Assets of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in $[50]
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total 2008-2012
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$[51]
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 - 4,554,132
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 - 44,874,009
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 - 50,058,019
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 - 122,387,505

Contact

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

Tel: (212) 244-3118

Notes

  1. ↑ 'About FIDF', Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Website, accessed 17 September 2014
  2. ↑ States News Service, 'FIDF REPRESENTATIVES MEET WITH THE SOLDIERS THEY SUPPORT IDF EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION FOR THE ORGANIZATION ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY, AS AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE DELEGATIONS VISITS MILITARY BASES AND MEETS WITH COMBAT SOLDIERS', States News Service, 2 May 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  3. ↑ Gil Ronen and Tova Dvorin, 'New Wave of Olim Inspired by Fallen Lone Soldiers', Arutz Sheva 7, 7 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  4. ↑ Erin Burnett, 'Rebels Hand Over MH17 Black Boxes To Investigators; Death Toll Climbing in the Middle East; Interview With Rep. Eliot Engel', CNN, 21 July 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  5. ↑ States News Service, '127 VOLUNTEERS FROM NORTH AMERICA TO SOON ENLIST IN THE IDF', States News Service, 14 August 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  6. ↑ Sharon Udasin, Lidar Grave-Lazi, Lahav Harkov, Judy Seigel, and Ben Hartman, 'News in Brief', Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  7. ↑ Jacob Goldtsein, 'Comedians bring laughs to the front lines', Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  8. ↑ 'Comedians bring laughs to the front lines', Jpost.com, 2 August 2014, accessed 27 August 2014.
  9. ↑ Erik Larsen, 'Parents in N.J. Pray for Israeli Soldier Son', Gannett News Service, 3 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  10. ↑ Andrea Peyser, 'Stars of David Win', The New York Post, 4 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Ben Hartman, Jerusalem Post staff, Khaled Abu Toameh, 'News in brief', Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  12. ↑ Marianne Garvey, Brian Niemietz, Lachlan Cartwright, and Molly Friedman, 'Babs voice still rich? Bank on it', Daily News (New York), 12 November 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  13. ↑ Jerusalem Post staff, Michal Toiba, 'Roger Waters: Israel is running an 'apartheid regime', Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  14. ↑ Jerusalem Post staff, 'Friends of the IDF gala raises $14m. American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and Chaka Khan perform', Jerusalem Post, 9 December 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  15. ↑ Eagles\'Wings Ministries, 'Robert Stearns to Address Prestigious FIDF Gala', Christian Newswire, 31 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  16. ↑ Maya Shwayder, 'FIDF raises $20 million at New York gala', Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  17. ↑ 'She Said Yes', Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  18. ↑ Maya Shwayder, 'FIDF raises funds at annual golf event', Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  19. ↑ Danielle Ziri, Yaakov Lappin, Sharon Udasin, Gil Hoffman, Jerusalem Post staff, 'News in Brief', Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  20. ↑ 'Pro-Israel groups to help IDF soldiers in need', Jpost.com, 19 August 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  21. ↑ 'International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Launches Asian Affiliate in South Korea', PR Newswire, September 11 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 FIDF Website Adopt a Brigade. Accessed 28 September 2014. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Adopt" defined multiple times with different content
  23. ↑ 'Oil Refineries Ltd: Oil Refineries Announces Results for Second Quarter 2012', PR Newswire Europe, 13 August 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  24. ↑ States News Service, '158 IDF COMBAT UNITS ADOPTED BY LEADING COMMERCIAL COMPANIES AS PART OF THE ADOPT A FIGHTER PROJECT LED BY THE AWIS, THE COMPANIES PROVIDE ANNUAL DONATIONS AS WELL AS SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT SOLDIERS', States News Service, 21 June 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  25. ↑ Gil Hoffman and Yoni Dayan, 'Israel should not be issue in US election. Former Kadima head criticizes Netanyahu, Romney', Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2012, accessed 28 September 2012.
  26. ↑ States News Service, 'FIDF DELEGATION VISITS IAF AIRBASE IAF CHIEF TO FIDF MEMBERS: WE KNOW WE WILL NOT STAND ALONE', States News Service, 24 April 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  27. ↑ Gil Hoffman, 'SLA refugee children still await educational framework', Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2000, accessed 29 September 2014.
  28. ↑ FIDF Website Impact. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  29. ↑ FIDF Website Identity and Purpose Programs. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  30. ↑ FIDF Website Israeli Journey. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  31. ↑ FIDF Website Amir Course. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  32. ↑ FIDF Website Eitan Program. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  33. ↑ FIDF Website Formal Education Program. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  34. ↑ FIDF Website DIGNITY. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  35. ↑ FIDF Website SPIRIT. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  36. ↑ FIDF Website Spiritual Needs Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  37. ↑ FIDF Website LEGACY Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  38. ↑ FIDF Website Lone Soldiers. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  39. ↑ FIDF Website Wounded Soldiers Sports and Recreation Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  40. ↑ FIDF Website Construction Projects. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  41. ↑ 'Our Board & Staff', Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Website, accessed 17 November 2014.
  42. ↑ 'Return of Organisation Exempt from Income Tax', foundationcenter.org , accessed 17 November 2014.
  43. ↑ 'Return of Organisation Exempt from Income Tax', foundationcenter.org , accessed 11 December 2014.
  44. ↑ 'Our Board', Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Website, accessed 17 September 2014
  45. ↑ Crain's Chicago Business, 'WHO's WHO: PART 1', Crain's Chicago Business, 7 September 1998, accessed 29 September 2014.
  46. ↑ FIDF Website, accessed 30 September 2014
  47. ↑ Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Financial Statements and Auditor's Report December 31 2012, accessed 17 September 2014
  48. ↑ 'IRS Rules Allow Charities To Say Little About Money Sent Overseas', The Forward, 12 April 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  49. ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2013. Data compiled initially by text search of 990 pdfs with the acronym FIDF or the phrase 'Friends of the Israel Defense Forces'. Further searches have been selectively carried out of additional 990s for foundations found to be significant contributors.
    Key: * = Donation attributed to the Friends of Israel Defense Fund. No tax returns are available for the latter organisation and as it shares the same address with the FIDF it would appear that the two organisations are the same.
    '-' = 990 not examined.
  50. ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2013.
  51. ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2013.
    Key: '-' = No data available;
    N/S = Donations made at dinners but amounts raised at individual dinners not specified.
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