Israeli Paratroopers Visit Skokie to Mark Israel's Memorial and Independence Days

IDF soldiers visiting Hillel Torah in Skokie last week (Photo credits: Robin Subar Photography).

SKOKIE, Ill. – Four paratroopers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) visited the Chicagoland area last week as part of a delegation organized by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) surrounding “Yom Hazikaron” and “Yom Ha’atzmaut,” Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days.

Arriving with the paratroopers were members of the IDF Musical Ensemble, some of Israel’s most talented active-duty artists, who perform for IDF troops stationed across Israel – and to select civilian audiences around the world. In partnership with the Shear Family Foundation, the Israeli soldiers visited Chicago and North Shore schools, including Hillel Torah in Skokie.

The paratroopers, some of whom are Lone Soldiers – those who immigrate to Israel with no immediate family in order to serve in the IDF – originally from the United States, spoke about their experiences leaving their families and friends to join the IDF and protect the State of Israel, where military service is mandatory for men and women.

“The Shear Family Foundation recognizes the extreme importance for young kids to be able to meet and encounter IDF soldiers, to hear their stories, and learn about the sacrifices made on behalf of Jews across the world,” said Shear Family Foundation Vice President John Shear, who is also an FIDF Central Region board member. “Likewise, this was an opportunity to show these brave soldiers how much the Chicago community cares and supports them through the crucial well-being and educational programs of FIDF.”

The FIDF Midwest Region adopted the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade as part of the FIDF Adopt-A-Brigade Program, which allows supporters to go beyond their donation to get more involved, providing financial aid for IDF soldiers in-need and their families, supporting Lone Soldiers, and funding general well-being activities and weeks of rest and recuperation for soldiers of the adopted brigade.

“We wanted to do something special to mark these important commemorative and celebratory days,” said FIDF Midwest Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim. “These brave paratroopers who put it all on the line to defend the Jewish homeland helped our community understand more about soldiers’ duties and sacrifices – and led us in remembering Israel’s fallen heroes and celebrating Israel’s independence.”