Neighbor News
Friends of the IDF (FIDF) New Houston Chapter Leadership
FIDF supporter growth in Texas brings new Houston leadership and new Dallas chapter
HOUSTON, August 15 – With the growing number of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters across Texas, FIDF is proud to announce the restructuring of Texas into two regions, each with their local director and lay leadership: the South Texas Chapter, based in Houston, and the North Texas Chapter, operating out of Dallas-Ft. Worth.
Under the restructuring, FIDF appointed Julie Jerden as Director of the South Texas Chapter, and Kathi Sebastian as Director of the North Texas Chapter.
Julie Jerden comes to FIDF with almost 20 years of experience in non-profit and government fund development and strategic planning. She has worked with non-profit organizations of all types and sizes ranging from a local adult education school to large foundations, as well as city, county, state, and federal agencies.
Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The new chapter in Dallas-Ft. Worth will help expand FIDF’s reach across Texas and allow more Lone Star communities to participate in supporting well-being and educational programs for Israeli soldiers. Texas is also home to dozens of families of Lone Soldiers , those who make the brave decision to join the Israeli military without having the support system of an immediate family in Israel.
"Having come from a long line of those who served in the military in the U.S. and around the world, it is my honor to work to ensure the women and men of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their families are cared for throughout their service and beyond,” said Jerden. “These soldiers not only protect Israel, they also stand for the safety and well-being of Jews world-wide.”
Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I am deeply proud of the growth of FIDF in South Texas,” said FIDF National Board Member and South Texas Board Chair Max Blankfeld . “It’s a privilege to serve FIDF and help our community support the brave men and women of the IDF.”
The FIDF South Texas Chapter will hold its annual gala, “A Night of Heroes," on Dec. 3. Claudia Pleason Selzer and Joel Selzer, and Esty and Eyal Shavitzky, will co-chair the gala.
