Long Beach, NY (Nov. 10th): At a time when antisemitism is rampant and support for Israel and the IDF is challenged, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of the soldiers of Israel, brought together members of the Five Towns community in a strong show of solidarity for the brave young men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Over 400 local IDF supporters gathered on October 24th, 2022, for the Five Towns and Greater South Shore 9th Annual Gala to honor Cyrus Wolf z”l, and his family, Florence Wolf, Trudy and Stanley Stern, Laurie and Eli Bryk and Faith and Ed Wolf, and Israel’s courageous soldiers at the Sands in Long Beach, NY.
Cyrus Wolf z”l was a dynamic and respected leader in the Five Towns community, a generous benefactor and someone who thrived on bringing Jews together. To Cyrus, the synagogue was a place where he and his family united and connected with their Jewish community. In his honor, his family donated a synagogue to the Homefront Command’s base to ensure the soldiers are mentally and spiritually nurtured and connected during their service.
“I’m honored and proud of our parents for their extraordinary leadership and passionate commitment to ensuring a better future for the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces, the State of Israel and the entire Jewish community,” said Trudy Stern. “I know I speak for the entire Jewish community in expressing my thanks to FIDF for the incredible work that they do and opportunities they provide. Without a strong IDF, there is no Israel and there is no organization better equipped to meet the social, educational and wellbeing needs of Israel’s heroes.”
Guests heard from three active-duty IDF soldiers. First, Sergeant Shachar, a naval combat sailor in the IDF’s 3rd Flotilla (missile ships) spoke about her experience as part of the team that used the anti-missile system on the INS Eilat for the first time. While on a patrol sailing, Shachar’s team successfully intercepted two drones sent by the Hezbollah terror organization in an attempt to damage one of Israel’s gas rigs. She was proud to play a part in this difficult task. In addition, Shachar spoke to the value of the support she and her unit receives from FIDF. “You make us all feel so appreciated.”
Guests also heard from Sgt Yosef, a Lone Soldier from Portland, Oregon who is now a platoon commander in Search and Rescue, the combat unit of the Israeli home front command. Experiencing antisemitism as a young child prompted Yosef to move to Israel and enlist in the IDF. For Yosef, being a combat soldier is very challenging. But the support for the IDF by communities like the Five Towns helps him through the difficult times.
Another Soldier, Staff Sg. Alisa spoke about her time in the elite Paramedic Unit in the IDF and what FIDF’s support means to her. “It is not taken for granted that so many people from across the globe care. I feel so lucky to be able to defend and represent the incredible values of the one State of Israel.”
Lastly, FIDF CEO Steve Weil took the stage and praised the evening’s honorees. “Tonight, a story of courage with Staff Sgt. Alisa and 2nd Lt. Yosef showed us the importance of putting purpose over our comfort zone. We’ve seen how courage links us, through the inspiring example of Cyrus Wolf z”l, and his family. And we’ve seen how the culture of courage that FIDF supports enables a soldier like Sgt. Shachar to save a nation under threat. This is the Jewish people. This is the compound effect of courage.”
Below please find photos from the event. Photo credit: Michael Priest Photography.
