Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

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History

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]

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." [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]

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."[6]

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."[7]

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."[8]

Amir Course Cultivating the Integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into Military and Civilian Society[9]

"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."[10]

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."[11]

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"[12]


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."[13]


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.[14]


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."[15]


LEGACY Program

Provides support to surviving relatives of deceased IDF soldiers. [16]


Lone Soldiers Program

Provides financial and other assistance to "Lone Soldiers" - IDF personnel whose families live outside of Israel. [17]


Wounded Soldiers Sports and Recreation Program

"Helping wounded IDF soldiers during and after their rehabilitation process through a variety of wellbeing and recreational activities." [18]


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."[19]

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.[20]

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.[21] The two organisations declared that they would provide some NIS 12 million to 8,000 Israeli soldiers in 2014.[22]

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.[23]

Through the FIDF's 'Adopt a Brigade project' [14] Oil Refineries Ltd. Israel's largest integrated refining and petrochemical group, has sponsored the Hatmar military unit. [24] 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.[25]

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. [26]

The FIDF has organised trips, accompanied by IDF soldiers, to Nazi death camps in Poland for financial contributors to the organisation. [27]

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. [28]

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."[29]

In September 2014 reality TV star and music producer Simon Cowell donated $150,000 dollars to the FIDF.[30] 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.[31]

Singer Barabara Streisand is a supporter of the FIDF and has performed at FIDF events.[32]

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. [33] 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. [34] 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." [35]

Fundraising Events

2015

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. [36]

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. [37]

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.[38]

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.[38]

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. [39]

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.[40]

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. [41]

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. [42]

Another gala event held in Florida in March 2014 raised more than $3.3 million for the organisation. [43]

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. [44]

On October 21, 2014 the FIDF Long Island chapter held its 9th annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'. The event raised $1.4 million. [45]

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.[46]

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.[47]

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.[48]

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. [49]

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. [50]

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. [51]

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. [52]

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. [53]

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.[54] The singer Chaka Khan did perform at the event which raised some $14m for the FIDF.[55] 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. [56]

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. [57]

On February 23, 2012 the Western chapter of the FIDF, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Russian Community, held the first annual 'Saving Lives Gala'. The event raised $225,000. [58]

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. [59]

On May 23rd, 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.[60]

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.[61] [62]

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.[63]

The annual Gala Dinner of the FIDF Michigan Chapter was held on October 25, 2011. [64]

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. [65]

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. [66]

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. [67]

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. [68]

On September 21, 2010 the FIDF's Long Island chapter held its 5th Annual 'IDF Appreciation Evening'.[69]

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.[70]

2009

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. [71]

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.[72]

Funding and finances

In 2012 the total assets of the organisation amounted to $126,649,916[73] Since 2000 FIDF has declined to reveal the names of its foreign grantees.[74]

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$.[75]
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 $[76]
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$[77]
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

_____________


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. [80]

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[81]

Notable Supporters

Bruce C.Abrams, President LR Development Co., Prism Mortgage Co. [82]

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 [83]

Resources, Contact, Notes

Resources

Contact

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

Tel: (212) 244-3118

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

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. ↑ FIDF Website Impact. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  7. ↑ FIDF Website Identity and Purpose Programs. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  8. ↑ FIDF Website Israeli Journey. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  9. ↑ FIDF Website Amir Course. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  10. ↑ FIDF Website Eitan Program. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  11. ↑ FIDF Website Formal Education Program. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  12. ↑ FIDF Website DIGNITY. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  13. ↑ FIDF Website SPIRIT. Accessed 29 September 2014.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 FIDF Website Adopt a Brigade. Accessed 30 September 2014. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Adopt" defined multiple times with different content
  15. ↑ FIDF Website Spiritual Needs Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  16. ↑ FIDF Website LEGACY Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  17. ↑ FIDF Website Lone Soldiers. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  18. ↑ FIDF Website Wounded Soldiers Sports and Recreation Program. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  19. ↑ FIDF Website Construction Projects. Accessed 30 September 2014.
  20. ↑ Eagles\'Wings Ministries, 'Robert Stearns to Address Prestigious FIDF Gala', Christian Newswire, 31 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  21. ↑ Danielle Ziri, Yaakov Lappin, Sharon Udasin, Gil Hoffman, Jerusalem Post staff, 'News in Brief', Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  22. ↑ 'Pro-Israel groups to help IDF soldiers in need', Jpost.com, 19 August 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  23. ↑ 'International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Launches Asian Affiliate in South Korea', PR Newswire, September 11 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  24. ↑ 'Oil Refineries Ltd: Oil Refineries Announces Results for Second Quarter 2012', PR Newswire Europe, 13 August 2012, accessed 28 September 2014.
  25. ↑ 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.
  26. ↑ 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.
  27. ↑ 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.
  28. ↑ Gil Hoffman, 'SLA refugee children still await educational framework', Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2000, accessed 29 September 2014.
  29. ↑ Erik Larsen, 'Parents in N.J. Pray for Israeli Soldier Son', Gannett News Service, 3 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  30. ↑ Andrea Peyser, 'Stars of David Win', The New York Post, 4 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  31. ↑ Ben Hartman, Jerusalem Post staff, Khaled Abu Toameh, 'News in brief', Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  32. ↑ 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.
  33. ↑ Sharon Udasin, Lidar Grave-Lazi, Lahav Harkov, Judy Seigel, and Ben Hartman, 'News in Brief', Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  34. ↑ Jacob Goldtsein, 'Comedians bring laughs to the front lines', Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  35. ↑ 'Comedians bring laughs to the front lines', Jpost.com, 2 August 2014, accessed 27 August 2014.
  36. ↑ Randall P. Lieberman, 'FIDF Solidarity Gala raises $2.5 million', Sun Sentinel, 20 January 2015, accessed 20 February 2015.
  37. ↑ FIDF Website FIDF News. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 JP Updates Website With Saban at Helm, Beverly Hills FIDF Dinner Raises Multi-Millions. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  39. ↑ FIDF Website 2014 Ohio Chapter Annual Dinner. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  40. ↑ Maya Shwayder, 'FIDF raises $20 million at New York gala', Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  41. ↑ Maya Shwayder, 'FIDF raises $20 million at New York gala', Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  42. ↑ FIDF Website More than 850 FIDF Supporters from Across Michigan Raise $1m to support Israeli soldiers. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  43. ↑ 'She Said Yes', Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2014, accessed 27 September 2014.
  44. ↑ FIDF Website 3rd Annual Saving Lives Gala. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  45. ↑ FIDF Website $1.4 million raised at the FIDF Long Island Chapter's 9th Annual IDF Appreciation Evening in support of Israel's soldiers!. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  46. ↑ FIDF Website Long Island Barbeques in Support of Israel’s Soldiers. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  47. ↑ FIDF Website $600,000 raised at NJ’s 10th Annual IDF Tribute Dinner. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  48. ↑ Maya Shwayder, 'FIDF raises funds at annual golf event', Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  49. ↑ FIDF Website FIDF Raises 27 Million at 2013 National NY Gala Dinner!. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  50. ↑ FIDF Website Over $20 million raised at Saban-Chaired FIDF Gala Saluting IDF Soldiers in Los Angeles. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  51. ↑ FIDF Website The 2nd Annual Saving Lives Gala. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  52. ↑ FIDF Website $1 million raised at the FIDF Long Island Chapter's 8th Annual IDF Appreciation Evening in support of Israel's soldiers!. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  53. ↑ FIDF Website $1.1 million raised at the FIDF New Jersey Chapter’s 9th Annual IDF Tribute Dinner. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  54. ↑ Jerusalem Post staff, Michal Toiba, 'Roger Waters: Israel is running an 'apartheid regime', Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  55. ↑ 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.
  56. ↑ San Diego FIDF Website FIDF News. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  57. ↑ FIDF Website Over $300,000 Raised at Friends of the IDF Washington Chapter Inaugural Founders’ Dinner. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  58. ↑ FIDF Website FIDF Western Region Chapter in Conjunction with the Los Angeles Russian Community Holds the First Annual Saving Lives Gala. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  59. ↑ FIDF Website Over $850,000 raised at Friends of the IDF Long Island Gala in support of Israel’s soldiers!. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  60. ↑ FIDF Website Five Towns and Greater South Shore Inaugural Community Event raises over $300,000 in support of Israel’s soldiers!. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  61. ↑ Maxine Dovere, '30th Annual FIDF Dinner Raises $23 Million', the algemeiner, 29 March 2011, accessed 20 February 2015
  62. ↑ FIDF Website Almost $23.5 Million Raised at National NY Gala Dinner!. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  63. ↑ FIDF Website Friends of the IDF Western Region Chapter Holds a Once In A Lifetime Gala to Benefit Israel's Soldiers. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  64. ↑ FIDF Website 2011 FIDF Michigan Gala Dinner – An evening of Spirit and Inspiration. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  65. ↑ FIDF Website 2011 Long Island raises more than $650,000 at local Gala. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  66. ↑ FIDF Website FIDF News. Accessed 19 February 2015.
  67. ↑ FIDF Website Western Region Gala Raises $8.8 Million To Benefit Israel's Soldiers. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  68. ↑ FIDF Website The 2010 7th Annual Gala Dinner Raises $400,000 in support for our soldiers!. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  69. ↑ FIDF Website 5th Annual IDF Appreciation Evening. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  70. ↑ FIDF Website Long Island Teen committee raises over $10,000 for the soldiers!. Accessed 23 February 2015.
  71. ↑ FIDF Website 2009 5th Annual Tribute Dinner Raised over $400,000 for our IDF Soldiers. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  72. ↑ FIDF Website 7th Annual FIDF Young Leadership Gala. Accessed 20 February 2015.
  73. ↑ Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Financial Statements and Auditor's Report December 31 2012, accessed 17 September 2014
  74. ↑ 'IRS Rules Allow Charities To Say Little About Money Sent Overseas', The Forward, 12 April 2013, accessed 27 September 2014.
  75. ↑ 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.
  76. ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2013.
  77. ↑ 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.
  78. ↑ 'Our Board & Staff', Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Website, accessed 17 November 2014.
  79. ↑ 'Return of Organisation Exempt from Income Tax', foundationcenter.org , accessed 17 November 2014.
  80. ↑ 'Return of Organisation Exempt from Income Tax', foundationcenter.org , accessed 11 December 2014.
  81. ↑ 'Our Board', Friends of the Israel Defence Forces Website, accessed 17 September 2014
  82. ↑ Crain's Chicago Business, 'WHO's WHO: PART 1', Crain's Chicago Business, 7 September 1998, accessed 29 September 2014.
  83. ↑ FIDF Website, accessed 30 September 2014
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