Neighbor News
DC FIDF Community Honors Israel's Guardians
The event was held on the eve of the 55th anniversary of the Six Day War.
At a time when anti-Semitism is rampant and support for Israel and the IDF is too often challenged, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of the soldiers of Israel, brought together members of the DC-based community in a strong show of solidarity for Israel’s guardians. The young men and women of the IDF have no choice but to find the courage to defend the Jewish homeland; FIDF is ensuring that they have an army of supporters behind them.
150 guests gathered Tuesday evening for the VIP Signature Event held at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC to honor Israel’s heroes as well as Bobby Cohen, former president of the FIDF DC chapter and his wife, Lorraine, for their longstanding dedication to and leadership of the organization. The event was held on the eve of the 55th anniversary of the Six Day War.
In his welcoming remarks, Robert Burman, event co-chair and community leader, noted, “While much has changed since the victory in which the IDF reunified the Jewish people’s holiest city, what remains everlasting is that the world we face requires great courage. Israel’s soldiers have no choice but to be courageous – it’s mandatory – and it is required for us in America as well.”
Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt offered a prayer for IDF soldiers and praised the work of Lorraine and Bobby Cohen, as did Howard and Hanna Cohen, their children.
Attendees also heard from Brigadier General Asaf Vardi, Israel’s Deputy Defense Attaché and Air Force Attaché to the USA, whose role involves developing personal connections with senior commanders in the US military and government bodies. A graduate of the IAF Flight Academy, Brigadier General Asaf Vardi has significant experience as a fighter pilot and commander with numerous operations and awards under his belt. He described his involvement in multiple missions and credits a focused and courageous army, as well as its strong supporters, for keeping Israel safe. “The IDF invests every resource it has into developing and building the capabilities required to defend Israel and her people and the contribution of FIDF enables the IDF to give our soldiers what it takes to be the best they can be.”
Jennifer Scher, Executive Director of the FIDF DC Chapter, urged guests to play a part building a culture of courage in the name of Israel’s survival. “For those of us who stand with Israel and are committed to the Jewish homeland, FIDF must be the priority – as without a strong IDF, there is no Israel. We are grateful to our local supporters who recognize this stark reality and continue to share their unwavering love for IDF soldiers. When we are not IN Israel, it should always be known that we are WITH Israel.”
According to Steve Weil, FIDF CEO, “We each have the power to help secure Israel’s future by ensuring that every soldier overcomes whatever challenges they face – before, during and after service. The soldiers of the IDF are responsible for the fate of Israel and the Jewish people, and we are here to stand with them.”
