Western Region - Los Angeles Chapter
The Western Region of Friends of the IDF was founded in 1981 by Leo David who today serves as Chairman of the region and a member of the National Board of Directors. While the vast majority of support is derived from Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, the region has also conducted activities with donors in Sacramento, Napa Valley, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Aspen, and even Australia!
The Western Region has been a national leader in raising funds for a variety of programs. Our donors sponsor nearly 400 IMPACT! scholarships; have adopted 8 IDF battalions; have hosted 30 LEGACY Bar/Bat Mitzvah age children to summer camp each of the past 4 years and 30 LEGACY Soldiers each of the past 3 years; have sponsored SPIRIT Weeks for every combat battalion who fought during Operation Cast Lead; and have built numerous major capital projects.
Western Region | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 625 | Los Angeles, CA 90048 | 323-843-2690 | california@FIDF.org
Articles & Past Events
The 2nd Annual Saving Lives Gala
On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, approximately 600 people gathered at the Universal Hilton Hotel to honor Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) and Israel’s courageous soldiers.
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Over $14 million raised at FIDF Western Region Gala
More than 1,400 attended the FIDF Western Region Gala, featuring 16-Time Grammy® Winner David Foster & Friends and “Seinfeld” Veteran Jason Alexander as the Emcee. Read More
Western Region – Los Angeles Welcomes the 2012 LEGACY Children
Since its inception in 2006, the LEGACY Program remains dedicated to its goal of supporting thousands of bereaved individuals who have suffered the devastating losses of loved-ones fallen during their military service. Read More
Western Region Hosts Two Exceptional IDF Soldiers In June
In June, the Los Angeles chapter welcomed two active duty IDF soldiers, 1st Lieutenant Noa Oren of the Artillery Corp as well as a Captain from an elite special forces unit. The effort was geared towards introducing FIDF to new and unfamiliar members of the community through a parlor meeting, Shabbat dinner, Young Leadership event as well as a school visit. Read More
FIDF Western Region Chapter in Conjunction with the Los Angeles Russian Community Holds the First Annual Saving Lives Gala
On Thursday, February 23, 2012, over 700 people came together to honor Israel’s courageous soldiers at the Universal Hilton. The first annual Saving Lives Gala marked the beginning of a flourishing relationship between FIDF and the Russian Community of Los Angeles. Read More
Friends of the IDF Western Region Chapter Holds a Once In A Lifetime Gala to Benefit Israel's Soldiers
Barbra Streisand, David Foster and Jason Alexander entertained at a spectacular sold out event
On Thursday, December 8th, over 1,200 people filled the Los Angeles Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel to honor Israel’s brave soldiers. Read More
LEGACY Children Visit the United States and take Los Angeles by Storm!
Our 2011 LEGACY Group was one of the largest ever, bringing a group of nearly 40 from Israel. Accompanied by counselors and commanders (currently serving in the IDF), the children were greeted with song and open arms by a vivacious crowd at Camp Ramah in Ojai Valley.
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Inspiring Dynamic Fashions for the Israel Defense Forces
On May 12th, a sold-out audience of over 350 attendees gathered at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles for FIDF’s very special Inspiring Dynamic Fashions for the Israel Defense Forces Fashion show in honor of Israel’s 63rd Independence Day
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Western Region Los Angeles Chapter Board Members
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| Leo David - Chairman |
Larry J. Hochberg |
| Erika Glazer - Honorary Chairman |
Fred Leeds |
| Julian Josephson - President |
Irving Levine |
| Simon P. Etehad, Esq. - Vice President |
Jennifer Malkin |
| Dina Leeds - Vice President |
Daniel Mani |
| Philip Werthman, M.D. - Secretary |
Jeff Polak |
| Michael Karlin - Treasurer |
Ari Ryan |
| Tony Rubin - Member at Large |
Haim Saban |
| Larry M. Schnaid - Member at Large |
Edward Sabin |
| Kal Berson |
Adam Sher |
| Ludmila Bess, M.D. |
Ben Silverman |
| Carolynne Drori |
Brad Smiedt |
| Igal Elyassi, D.D.S. |
Jon Waterman |
| Michael Flesch |
David Wiener |
| David Ghozland, M.D. |
Robert Zarnegin |
| Fred Gluckman |
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Western Region - Los Angeles Professional Staff
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| Miri Nash - Regional Executive Director |
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| Lauren Rudin - Director of Projects and Programs and Director of Young Leadership |
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| Jenna Griffin - Director of Operations and Special Events |
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| Jennifer Sieger - Director of Finance |
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| Madison Rootenberg - Administrative Assistant |
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