Ramla, Israel (January 30, 2023) – In a memorable and emotional ceremony last month, dozens of soldiers and guests gathered at the Rehavam Base, headquarters of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Homefront Command’s Search and Rescue Unit, in the city of Ramla, for the commemoration of a new synagogue. A gift from Florence Wolf of Lawrence, NY and her family in honor of the late Cyrus Wolf z”l, the synagogue will ensure the soldiers are mentally and spiritually nurtured and connected, and have a place to relax and unwind throughout their service.
Col. Edri, Commander of the Search & Rescue Brigade helped cut the ribbon on the new building and he addressed the crowd along with Friends of the IDF (FIDF) National Chairman, Fred Gluckman and Dr. Ed Wolf, a representative of the Wolf family. The Chief Cantor of the IDF, Lt. Col Shai Abramson, recited a Yizkor prayer in memory of Cyrus Wolf, and another for the safety of Israel and its soldiers. Also in attendance with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lipsak of Bal Harbour, Florida.
Cyrus Wolf 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, and this gift presented on his behalf, was the perfect way to honor his memory. The construction of the synagogue, and ceremony, were facilitated by FIDF.
“We are deeply grateful to the Wolf family for their incredible contribution to the Homefront Command Base,” said Fred Gluckman. “It is a privilege to partner with such generous and mission-driven philanthropists to provide a synagogue as a community gathering place for the soldiers. We echo their intention to provide those who defend the homeland with a place to form a stronger community through reflection and prayer.”
The IDF Homefront Command is responsible for preparing and assisting the civilian population in times of crisis, as well as post-crisis reconstruction. The Search and Rescue Brigade is a highly skilled force under its command that operates search and rescue missions in Israel and around the world, aiding in rescue and recovery from incidents such as terror attacks, floods, and other natural disasters.
“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,” said Trudy Stern, Cyrus’s daughter. “I know I speak for the entire Jewish community in expressing my thanks to FIDF for the incredible work that they do and the opportunities they provide.”
FIDF’s construction projects give the young men and women of the IDF a taste of “home away from home” while they are in service. FIDF aims to create environments in which soldiers can relax, connect with each other, stay in shape, commemorate and celebrate special days, and simply feel like themselves again outside of uniform. Projects range from individual structures to comprehensive well-being complexes, and include recreation and sports centers, cultural and educational facilities, synagogues, memorial rooms, auditoriums, and soldiers’ homes.
See below photos from the event. Photo credit: Ori Shemesh, Courtesy of FIDF.
