Over 475 South Texas supporters gather at FIDF benefit

Over 475 community leaders gathered Dec. 3 at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) South Texas Chapter Gala, “A Night of Heroes.” The event raised $400,000 to support the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and contribute to FIDF’s well-being and educational programs.

The gala, one of the South Texas Jewish community’s biggest events, featured former Israeli Ambassador Ido Aharoni, who was Israel's longest-serving Consul-General in the New York Tri-State area. For six years he led the operations of Israel’s largest diplomatic mission worldwide.

Co-chairing the gala were FIDF South Texas Board Member and incoming FIDF South Texas Chair Eyal Shavitzky and Esty Shavitsky, and FIDF South Texas Board Member Claudia Pleason Selzer and Joel Selzer.

A delegation of IDF soldiers participated in the gala with several FIDF IMPACT! scholarship recipients, such as Sgt. Maj. (Res.) Kesem and Staff Sgt. (Res.) Yadin. Other IDF soldiers included Cpt. A., who serves in the Israeli Navy and participated in the recent IDF Operations “Protective Edge” and “Pillar of Defense.” Cpt. A. took part in the IDF “Witnesses in Uniform” delegation to Poland, a program supported by FIDF, which he says helped him understand “the true meaning” of his IDF service. Also participating was Lt. commander O., who in 2015 was promoted to become the youngest head of operations in Israeli Navy history; and Sgt. Matthew, a Lone Soldier -- one who has enlisted in the IDF without having immediate family in Israel – originally from Houston.

The FIDF South Texas Chapter Gala honored approximately 20 Houston area IDF veterans from as far back as Israel’s War of Independence.

Other distinguished guests included Consul General of Israel to the Southwest Gilad Katz; FIDF National Board Member and current FIDF South Texas Chair Max Blankfeld; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; and FIDF South Texas Director Julie Jerden.

“The FIDF Galas are always very emotional and uplifting, This year the presence of the IMPACT scholarship recipients and their stories made the occasion even more special, and the keynote speaker, Ido Aharoni, ended the evening with a superb and inspiring speech,” said Blankfeld. “A special thanks goes to the co-chairs Claudia and Joel Selzer and Esty and Eyal Shavitzky and the FIDF professional staff who organized such a memorable event. As I finish my tenure as the Chairman of FIDF South Texas Chapter for the last three years, I have no doubt that the organization will reach new heights under the leadership of the new Chair Eyal Shavitzky.”

“Since its founding, over 70 years ago, the State of Israel has undergone a miraculous transformation. While it has indeed blossomed into the region’s only modern Western Democracy, Israel’s existence remains tenuous as it continues to fight for its ability to exist as a free, sovereign, and independent nation. Undoubtably, Israel would not be the thriving country it is today without two fundamental anchors. The first are the courageous soldiers of the IDF who tirelessly rise to defend the Jewish State against the perpetual threat of attack. The second is the unbreakable bond between the US and Israel, based on shared values and a common vision of a better future. The South Texas FIDF Chapter’s annual gala was a wonderful opportunity to highlight both essential elements as we honored several IDF soldiers and local leaders who support the FIDF,” said Eyal Shavitzky.

“Our annual dinner is a wonderful opportunity to meet active-duty soldiers of different backgrounds, all with the same goal of protecting Israel,” said Jerden. “The event gave FIDF supporters the chance to thank the brave soldiers who defend Israel and directly benefit from the support of our community.”