Israeli Paratroopers Visit Winnetka to Celebrate Israel's Independence Day

(From left, center) Einat and Amb. Aviv Ezra; FIDF supporter Lori Komisar; FIDF National Board Member Morris Silverman; and event hosts Bozena and Arie Zweig with IDF soldiers (Photo credit: Robin Subar Photography).

WINNETKA, 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.

The soldiers celebrated “Yom Ha’atzmaut,” Israel’s Independence Day, at the private home of FIDF supporters Arie and Bozena Zweig in Winnetka last Tuesday, May 2. Also attending was Consul General of Israel to the Midwestern United State Aviv Ezra and members of the local community.

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.

“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.”