First R.I. Friends of Israel Dinner benefits soldiers

Lior ZommerMore than 70 people gathered at Congregation Ohawe Shalom on Aug. 24 for an evening of prayer, pride and inspiration in honor of the Israel Defense Forces. Lior Zommer, New England regional director of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces expressed enthusiasm for this first-ever Rhode Island event. 

The evening began with a prayer for soldiers who died in Operation Protective Edge offered by Rabbi Raphie Schochet, Rosh Kollel of the Providence Community Kollel. Rabbi Schochet also led the group in a prayer for the safety of Israel and Jews throughout the world.

Alyse Teitelbaum, whose sons are both IDF soldiers, served as mistress of ceremonies. Her younger son is currently in basic training. Barbara Japhet read a moving letter from son, Nathan, who is on active duty with the Nachal unit. Yuri and Barbara’s son made aliyah last year. In the letter, Nathan thanked the Rhode Island Jewish community for their ongoing prayers and support, and the FIDF for “care packages that include clean underwear, socks and bug spray.”

Maor Mintz, summer Israeli shaliach (emissary), talked about his personal experience as a soldier and his appreciation for having received basic items for his unit from the FIDF.

Friends of the IDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a not-for-profit organization.

Its mission is to support educational, social, cultural and recreational programs for the soldiers and their families. Three of the areas they fund and support were highlighted at this event. The IMPACT Scholarship program assists combat veterans with their post-service education, as most of the young men and women begin their military service right out of high school. The DIGNITY Program provides financial assistance to families of soldiers in extreme financial need due to a lapse in income while their family member is on active duty. The LONE SOLDIER program provides support, holiday celebrations and roundtrip flights to visit families during furlough, for young men and women from all over the world who choose to leave their homes and serve in the IDF. 

The FIDF’s New England regional annual event will be held this year at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in Boston on Oct. 30.  The Honorable Ron Dermer, Israeli ambassador to the United States, will be the guest speaker. For information, go to newengland@fidf.org.

The RI Friends of Israel strives is to raise awareness, educate the community and increase solidarity with the people of Israel. The group’s has now become the Rhode Island chapter of “Stand With Us,” an international organization dedicated to informing the public about Israel and combating the extremism and anti-Semitism that often distorts the issues.