20 | FEBRUARY 29 • 2024
J
N
A
bout 225 Friends of
the IDF (FIDF) young
supporters gathered
Feb. 15 at Temple Israel in West
Bloomfield in a strong show of
solidarity with the thousands of
Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
soldiers on the frontlines.
The solidarity gathering
allowed Michigan-based young
Jewish professionals to show
their support for Israel’s soldiers
during their greatest time of
need. One hundred percent of
proceeds from the event, and
donations to FIDF since the start
of the war, are going toward the
emergency humanitarian needs
of IDF soldiers. So far, more than
$61 million has been transferred
by FIDF to the IDF to meet their
most urgent requests for its sol-
diers.
The event chairs were Jamie
and Steven Silverman, Jennie and
Shimon Levy, Sarah and George
Roberts, Paige Spagna, Daniel
Snyder, Rachel and Michael Klar,
Lindsay and Jared Rapp, Jade
Cook and Jordan Goodman.
Additional VIP attendees
included Cara Chernin, FIDF
National Young Leadership
director; and Paula Lebowitz,
director of the FIDF MI Chapter.
Keynote speaker was Captain
(Res.) Shai Gino, an Israeli
native currently living in San
Diego who had served with
valor in the IDF’s esteemed 202
Paratroopers Brigade. Following
the Oct. 7 attacks, Shai returned
to Israel, joining forces with his
brother Oz in the Search and
Rescue Brigade of the Home
Front Command. Their missions
took them to the front lines,
operating in both the North and
Gaza Strip. Sadly, Shai’s family’s
residence in Metula, northern
Israel, suffered the devastation of
three direct missile strikes from
Lebanon.
“Now, more than ever, our soli-
darity is crucial in supporting the
brave IDF soldiers and witnessing
this community’s unprecedent-
ed turnout — both in presence
and generosity — has been
nothing short of inspiring,
” said
FDID’s Cara Chernin. “It was an
honor to collaborate with Steven
Silverman and the entire com-
munity on this meaningful event,
which was a resounding success.
”
FIDF is the single organization
in the United States designated
by the IDF that is authorized to
raise funds for its soldiers. Funds
raised at the event will go toward
lifesaving medical supplies such
as ambulances, plasma, medical
devices, field hospitals, as well
as hygiene kits and aid for the
thousands of bereaved families
who are suffering the loss of a
loved one.
Donations can be made at:
www.fidf.org.
Young professionals gather to support Friends of the IDF.
FIDF Gala a Success
OUR COMMUNITY
Jennie
Levy
Captain (Res.)
Shai Gino
Steven and Jamie Silverman, FIDF Staff: Cara Chernin,
Sophia Moed, Randi Stein, Paula Lebowitz
Captain (Res.) Shai Gino and
Event Chair Steven Silverman
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIDF