Israeli Humanitarians to Address San Diego Benefit

Photo credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

SAN DIEGO – Israeli military humanitarians working with victims of the Syrian civil war will address some 700 San Diego community leaders this Nov. 18 at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) San Diego Annual Gala.

One of the local community’s largest events, the gala, co-chaired by David and Tamara Klein and Heidi and Russell Silberstein, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego will salute the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and celebrate the Israeli military’s global humanitarian work, including in Syria, Mexico, Turkey, Nepal, Haiti, the Philippines, and many other countries.

Speaking will be Lt. Col. Elad Edri, who commands the IDF Home Front Command’s “Kedem” search-and-rescue battalion, which responds to emergency situations worldwide, including most recently in Mexico following the September earthquake that killed some 370 and injured more than 6,000.

Also speaking will be Sgt. 1st Class Maor, a veteran of an IDF special operations combat unit whose college education was sponsored thanks to the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program, which grants full, four-year academic scholarships to IDF combat veterans of modest means.

“This evening is an incredible opportunity for our supporters to meet the heroes who protect Israel and Jews around the world,” said FIDF San Diego Director Nir Benzvi. “They’ll hear about the IDF’s noble humanitarian efforts and learn about the tremendous impact FIDF’s well-being and educational programs have on these soldiers’ lives, during and after their service.”

The evening will begin with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program at 8 p.m. The funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF educational and well-being programs for IDF soldiers. For more information or to support FIDF, please visit: FIDFSD.org.