FIDF Welcomes New Leadership to Southeast Region

ATLANTA, June 6 – Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) welcomes new Southeast Region Chair Karen Shulman and new Southeast President Itai Tsur to FIDF’s Southeast Board of Directors . Both will begin their new positions on June 1.

Shulman has been involved with Friends of the IDF since 2017 and was elected to begin serving as chair of the Southeast Board.

“I am continually inspired by this incredible organization,” said Shulman. “Whether it’s in conversation with FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship recipients about their studies or hearing that a Lone Soldier – one who serves in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) without immediate family in Israel -- had somewhere to go for the holidays, FIDF’s support for the brave men and women of the IDF is immeasurable.”

Besides her involvement with FIDF, Shulman plays an active role in Atlanta’s Jewish community. She devotes much of her time to The Epstein School, Ian’s Friends Foundation (IFF), and various other Jewish organizations.

Tsur will join FIDF as president of the Southeast Board. Tsur has served Atlanta’s Jewish community for nine years, running the Atlanta Jewish Foundation at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and working in advocacy at the American Jewish Committee’s Atlanta regional office. A native of Israel, Tsur spent his formative years in Texas before returning home to serve in a combat unit in the IDF, which included a tour of duty in Southern Lebanon. His grandfather, Meir Amir, led the Mossad from 1963-1968.

“It’s an honor to accept the role as president of the region. I look forward to a great partnership with Karen and the entire Board of Directors,” said Tsur. “Having served in the IDF, coupled with my strong family heritage with the state of Israel, FIDF is the perfect opportunity for me to continue my support for the brave men and women who defend Israel.”

“We are thrilled that the Southeast Region’s Board of Directors has appointed Karen Shulman as our new chair, along with Itai Tsur as our new president,” said FIDF Southeast Executive Director Seth Baron . “The two bring a rare combination of passion, skill, and commitment to Israel’s soldiers. Along with our entire Board of Directors, Karen and Itai’s leadership will be central to taking FIDF to the next level.”

Shulman and Tsur will be joining other members of the FIDF Southeast Region Executive Committee, which also includes Renee Evans, vice president; Marshall Cohen, secretary;Mitchell Kopelman, member at large; Ben Levy, member at large; Larry Miller, member at large; and Garry Sobel, chairman emeritus .

Other members of the FIDF Southeast Region Board include E. Jay Abt, Ronnie Agami, , Debby Bettsak, George Birnbaum, Dory Black, Joel Butler, Meredith Broudy, Jason Chaliff, Sheldon Friedman, Lauren Gershkowitz, Jonathan Grant, Hope Kaufman, Sara Kogon, Andrew Levison, Sara Meyers, Michael Morris, Eric Seidel, Josh Spielman, Rabbi Natan Trief, Rabbi Samantha Trief, Ramie Tritt, Felicia Voloschin, Peter Weitzner, and Phil Yagoda.