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