42 | APRIL 11 • 2024
J
N
faces&places
O
ver 100 friends
of the Friends of
the Israel Defense
Forces (FIDF) Central Region
(Michigan, Ohio and Illinois)
gathered on Feb. 25 at the
home of Miriam and Fred
Ferber in Del Rey Beach,
Florida, for an inspiring
brunch featuring three elite
members of the Israel Defense
Forces (IDF) who provided
a first-hand look into the
unique challenges currently
facing Israel since Oct. 7.
This exclusive event pro-
vided guests a unique oppor-
tunity to learn about the cur-
rent threats to Israel’s security
and the courageous soldiers
who protect and preserve its
existence.
The brunch program fea-
tured IDF Brig. Gen. (Res.)
Nitzan Nuriel, a renowned
counterterrorism expert,
associate at the International
Institute for Counterterrorism
at the IDC in Herzliya
and former director for
Counterterrorism for the
Israeli Prime Minister. Nuriel
received a badge of honor
from the U.S. Congress for
his long-term commitment to
counterterrorism.
Major Shai Peker gave a
briefing on the current situa-
tion in Israel. Capt. Matan, a
Lone Soldier, shared his story
about serving and being on
the front lines in Gaza right
after the Israel-Hamas war
began.
“We are grateful to the
Ferbers and all of our sup-
porters who came together
for a meaningful event,”
said Paula Lebowitz, FIDF
Michigan Chapter director.
Also in attendance were
Steve Weil, FIDF CEO; Tamir
Oppenheim, FIDF Central
Region vice president; Lane
Schlessel, FIDF Ohio director;
and Jill Barron, FIDF Ohio
associate director.
FIDF is the single organi-
zation in the United States,
designated by the IDF, that
is authorized to raise funds
for its soldiers, and FIDF
acts according to the require-
ments of the IDF’s Manpower
Directorate to respond to the
most urgent requests. Funds
raised at the event will go
toward life-saving 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.
Feel free to reach out to the Michigan
Chapter at michigan@fidf.org to learn
more about FIDF programs and how
you can support Israel’s soldiers
Michigan Snowbirds Gather in
Florida for Exclusive FIDF Event
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIDF
Steve Weil, FIDF CEO; Nitzan Nuriel; Paula Lebowitz, FIDF Michigan
director; Major Shai Peker; Lane Schlessel, FIDF Ohio director; and
Tamir Oppenheim, FIDF Central Region Vice President
Miriam Ferber, Major Shai Peker,
Capt. Matan and Fred Ferber
Steve Weil, FIDF CEO; Fred Cahn; Linda Katzman; Tamir Oppenheim,
FIDF Central Region vice president; and Paula Lebowitz, FIDF Michigan
director