Local Voices
Kansans to Celebrate Israel's 70th with IDF Soldiers
Some 200 Kansas Citians will gather on Tuesday, May 1, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue to celebrate Israel's 70th anniversary with FIDF
Israel Border Police Commander Maj. Gen. Yaakov (Kobi) Shabtai with FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir and FIDF National President Peter Weintraub at an Israel Border Police base on Nov. 12, 2017, during the FIDF National Leadership Mission to Israel, which Weintraub chaired (Photo credit: Shahar Azran).
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Some 200 Kansas Citians will gather on Tuesday, May 1, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue to celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) and some of the brave Israeli soldiers who defend Israel and Jews worldwide.
Speaking at the event, hosted in partnership with Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, will be active-duty IDF soldiers, including Israeli Navy Staff Sgt. Danielle, a naval special operations soldier originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who moved to Israel in order to volunteer in the IDF; IDF 1st Lt. (Res.) Mazal, an Ethiopian Israeli who was decorated for her role training combat troops; and Israel’s naval attache to the U.S., Capt. Amir Gutman.
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Also speaking will be FIDF National President Peter Weintraub. A Reform rabbi and businessman, Weintraub has been an avid FIDF supporter for over 15 years and has sponsored academic scholarships for 80 IDF combat veterans through FIDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program. One of the veterans Weintraub sent to college, Daniel Averkh, who now lives in Kansas City, will discuss the program.
“The incredible and courageous young men and women of the IDF put their lives on the line every day to defend the Jewish homeland and Jews around the world – myself included,” said Weintraub. “What better way is there to celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary than by honoring the heroes who have sacrificed so much to keep it safe?”
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Guests will also learn about FIDF’s well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers, including FIDF’s Lone Soldiers Program, which supports and cares for soldiers like Danielle who enlist without immediate family in Israel. There are currently two Lone Soldiers from Kansas and 10 from Missouri serving in the IDF.
For tickets to the event, or to support FIDF, please visit https://fidf.thankyou4caring.org/2018-kansas-city-tribute-to-israels-soldiers or call (312) 372-8500.
