FIDF Lawrence Shabbaton Honoring the IDF

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) supporters from Lawrence and Cedarhurst came out in droves last weekend to celebrate a group of IDF soldiers and dignitaries – including two local Lone Soldiers – as part of a Shabbaton hosted by the Young Israel of Lawrence in Cedarhurst on behalf of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF).

The theme of the evening events, The IDF: Shaping the Future of Israel, was aimed at saluting and honoring the soldiers of the IDF, and participants were able to learn first-hand how deeply the FIDF supports the State of Israel and the soldiers themselves through an array of life-changing programs and initiatives. The Shabbaton also had a sold-out Shabbat dinner.

Guests and luminaries in attendance included Rabbi Steven Weil, FIDF CEO, Lt. Col. Aviv Levi, who’s responsible for IDF’S relationship with the United States on special projects, as well as Private Elijah and Private Noah - two Lone Soldiers from Lawrence.

“The love and support that the Five Towns community has given to these young men and women, who put themselves in harm’s way to defend Israel and the Jewish world, has been overwhelming,” said Weil. “We appreciate the emotional, financial and moral support that The Five Towns community invests towards the education and welfare of the IDF soldiers.”

The Shabbaton attendees had the opportunity to also meet three active IDF soldiers, who shared personal heartfelt stories about their army service and challenges they have overcome.

Iron Dome Commander Lt. Michal, who also spoke at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence during the weekend, explained how her army training prepared her to make split-second decisions with far-reaching consequences during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May of 2021. During that military operation, she had under 25 seconds to make the strategic decision of whether or not to intercept incoming missiles from Gaza. Lt. Michal had the experience and know-how to step in and intercept some 130 incoming missile targets during that operation.

Capt. Rayan is a Druze soldier who served in the Home Front Command as a conduit with 17 Arab communities, strengthening the relationship with the IDF during the COVID-19 Pandemic. His leadership resulted in increased cooperation, helping to contain the outbreak of the virus, thus saving lives.

Staff Sgt. B. came from a troubled personal background, engaging in drug abuse at a young age. Thanks to the support he received at FIDF’s Havat Hashomer, Sgt. B dramatically turned his life around and is currently an elite Egoz Combat Soldier who was one of hundreds of IDF soldiers to receive the Israeli President’s Award for service to the country.

“Our community was thrilled to host the FIDF, and soldiers of different ranks, divisions and battalions serving with distinction in the IDF,” said Rabbi Yaakov Trump, Rabbi of the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst. “It was an unforgettable Shabbat, filled with incredible stories that brought to life the amazing work of the FIDF and the role we play in supporting Israel’s soldiers.”