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