Doron Perez to Address Ohio Friends of IDF Annual Dinner

CLEVELAND, Sept. 6 – Some 600 community leaders will gather on Sunday, Sep. 15, for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Ohio Chapter Annual Dinner – “A Night of Heroes” - at Landerhaven to honor the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The evening, which has become one of the Ohio Jewish community’s largest events, will feature a speech by Rabbi Doron Perez, CEO of the Mizrachi World Movement, the global religious Zionist organization. Perez has led the organization since 2014, after serving as an Israeli emissary in South Africa, where he was born and raised.

Perez moved to Israel at age 18, studied for a decade in some of the country’s leading yeshivas, or Jewish seminaries, before serving in the IDF’s Hesder program for observant soldiers and completing his rabbinic ordination while earning a BA in Jewish philosophy. Perez is currently studying for a master’s in Jewish history. He is the author of “Leading the Way,” and a popular speaker and scholar-in-residence.

A delegation of active-duty soldiers and officers will travel from Israel to attend the gala, including soldiers who are among the two percent volunteering to enlist and serve Israel proudly, despite not being mandated to do so due to their backgrounds and special circumstances.

Among those being recognized will be Cpl. Sofie, a Danish Lone Soldier – one who enlists in the IDF without having immediate family in Israel. Sofie was raised as a Christian, though her father is Jewish and served in the IDF himself. She is among the few women to serve as an F-35 jet mechanic in the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

Also being honored is Lt. A., a Lone Soldier from East Jerusalem whose choice to join the IDF – which he viewed as his natural, patriotic duty – cost him his friends, family, and home. After years of homelessness, A. is living his childhood dream of being an IDF officer and is excited about his future opportunities.

Co-chairing the dinner will be FIDF supporters Kathy and Jeff Cohen; Barry Feldman; Ida and FIDF Ohio Immediate Past Chairman and National Board Member Irwin Haber; Becky and David Heller; Juli and Chuck Herman; Stephanie and Jared Miller; Nancy and Allan Pearl; Ileen and Irving Rosner; Beverley and FIDF Ohio Chairman Richard Uria; Sara Hurand and Elie Weiss, and Elissa Wuliger.

Other distinguished guests will be FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Midwest Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim; and FIDF Ohio Director Lane Schlessel.

“Our annual dinner will be a wonderful opportunity to meet active-duty soldiers of different backgrounds, all with the same goal of protecting Israel,” said Uria. “Our supporters from the community have the chance to thank the brave soldiers who defend Israel and directly benefit from FIDF’s important well-being and educational programs.”

The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. cocktails and dinner reception, followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Internationally-acclaimed TV journalist, news anchor, reporter, and producer Michelle Makori will emcee the event. In partnership with Christians United for Israel (CUFI), acclaimed singer-songwriter Melissa Stamper will join the event to sing the National Anthem.

Funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers.

For more information or to support FIDF, please visit: www.fidf.org/events/2019-fidf-ohio-chapter-annual-dinner.

Reporters who wish to participate in the event may RSVP to: Ariel@puderpr.com.