FIDF mourns the passing of Lt. Gen. (Res.) Amnon Lipkin-Shahak

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:15:00 GMT

FIDF mourns the loss of the 15th IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. (Res.) Amnon Lipkin- Shahak Z”L.
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Lone Soldiers from around the world celebrate Chanukah

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:00 GMT

The FIDF Lone Soldiers Program, in collaboration with Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN), celebrated the sixth night of Chanukah with a festive party attended by one hundred Lone Soldiers from all over the world and Noam Gershoni, the Israeli Paralympics Tennis Gold Medalist.
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Pillar of Defense Summary

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:13:00 GMT

During Israel's recent Operation Pillar of Defense, FIDF worked around the clock to ensure the IDF's hardworking soldiers were taken care. Whether it was by sending packages of snacks and much-needed clothing or by sending a "Break from the Battlefield" package including an LCD TV screen and board games, soldiers were able to uphold hygiene and were kept entertained in their few moments off from the battlefield and during the difficult task of keeping Israel safe under fire.
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An FIDF IMPACT! student writing from her rocket-ridden city of Ashkelon

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:33:00 GMT

Read the inspiring letter written by IMPACT! student Liat, about her home of Ashkelon, which has seen constant rocket fire causing residents to live in continuous fear.
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IDF Soldier Killed in Rocket Attack from Gaza Strip

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:22:00 GMT

An 18-year-old soldier was tragically killed when a barrage of rockets and mortars fired from the Gaza Strip hit the Eshkol Regional council this afternoon. Five people in the region were also injured during another barrage of rockets.
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An FIDF IMPACT! student writing from reserve duty

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Among the many young people suffering from rocket fire in Israel are FIDF’s IMPACT! students, spread out throughout the country,...
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Operation Pillar of Defense Update

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:09:00 GMT

In these difficult days in Israel, IDF men and women are giving their all to ensure Israel remains safe – and FIDF is right there with them.
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Operation Pillar of Defense

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:04:00 GMT

As part of our mission, we have vowed to support Israel’s brave soldiers at all times, at peaceful as well as challenging and fateful moments.
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50 FIDF supporters from across the U.S. visit Israel and salute the IDF soldiers

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Over 50 prominent FIDF supporters from the U.S. embarked on a unique seven-day journey to Israel as part of the FIDF National Mission to Israel to show their appreciation and support for Israel’s soldiers. The delegation arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, November 4th, 2012.
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A Surprise Reunion

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:23:00 GMT

An extremely emotional reunion took place on Thursday, October 18th, on Mount Gilboa in northern Israel, when Ginger Resnick, a resident of Costa Mesa, CA, traveled to Israel to surprise her son, corporal Josh, a Lone Soldier serving in a special combat unit in the IDF Artillery Corps..
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900 new students join IMPACT! family in annual student gathering

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:39:00 GMT

On Thursday, October 11th, the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program held its annual student gathering in Tel Aviv, welcoming 900 new students into the IMPACT! family.
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PM Netanyahu Greets Aliyah Flight Bringing Record Number of North Americans Olim Enlisting in IDF

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:58:00 GMT

Newcomers arrive as IDF charges NBN and FIDF to run newly established International Lone Soldiers Program.
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FIDF National Chairman Visits Planned Wellbeing Facilities in Negev

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:05:00 GMT

FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic, recently visited the Negev desert where she was shown plans for the IDF’s Training Campus, which will consolidate eight of the IDF’s training bases and in which FIDF will sponsor every wellbeing facility.
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Greetings from the National YL mission to Israel

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:10:00 GMT

On Thursday, July 12th the National Young Leadership Mission joined over 400 soldiers from the Nachal Reconnaissance Battalion as well as 60 naval cadets for a truly special evening of friendship and fun at the R&R Facility in Ashkelon.
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IDF Veteran Ofri Wolfus Makes Strides

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Ofri Wolfus barely got a taste of army service. Five years ago, during basic training on the Zikim training base, a rocket was launched at his base. Wolfus lost his leg on the spot but was unaware of the amputation until after his operation. “I remember that on the way to the operating room I asked the doctors to try and save my leg,” he tells Ynet. “I didn’t know it was already gone.”
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Two IDF Naval Officers Killed in Car Accident

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:39:00 GMT

Hundreds of people attended IDF Naval officer Lt. Rafael Bublil’s funeral on Wednesday morning, June 27th, at the Kiryat Shaul cemetery in Tel Aviv. Bubil and fellow officer Capt. Omri Shahar were tragically killed in a car crash on Highway 4 following a get together of the officers’ unit. Two other officers were also injured.
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IDF Soldier Killed in Training Accident in the Golan

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:50:00 GMT

19 year-old Private and IDF soldier Dor Ga'an was tragically killed and two additional IDF soldiers severely injured on Friday, June 8th when their military vehicle overturned during routine operational activity in the Golan Heights. Magen David Adom ambulances and helicopters were rushed to the site, taking all injured soldiers to nearby hospitals but were sadly unable to save Ga’an, who suffered severe head and chest injuries.
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Three Faces: The Story of Jerusalem’s Reunification

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:43:00 GMT

It was the picture seen around the world.

In June 1967, David Rubinger, a press photographer in Israel, followed IDF forces that were fighting to liberate the Old City of Jerusalem.
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FIDF Sends Condolences to Family of Fallen Golani Soldier

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:42:00 GMT

FIDF mourns the loss of Staff Sgt. Netanel Moshiashvili (Z’L), a Golani Brigade soldier killed in an exchange of fire along the Gaza Strip border on Friday, June 1st. According to the IDF Spokesperson Unit, the event took place when an armed terrorist managed to cross Israel’s security fence with the Gaza Strip. Golani soldiers rushed to the scene to capture the terrorist when gunshots were fired, injuring a few soldiers and, tragically, hitting Staff Sgt. Moshiashvili.
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"My Experience In Poland" - By Judith Kellner

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:41:00 GMT

As the daughter to Holocaust survivors and a mother to a “third generation survivor”, I was filled with anticipation at the thought of joining a group of Americans who support the IDF soldiers (Friends of IDF) where we met in Poland a group of Israeli soldiers with the intent of commemorating Yom Hashoa together in Auschwitz, last week.
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Palmachim Air Force Base Auditorium Inauguration Ceremony - Sunday, April 22, 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:27:00 GMT

During the 30th Anniversary Delegation to Poland and Israel, FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic, delivered a heartfelt speech at the Inauguration Ceremony for the Palmachim Air Force Base.
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"Every Time I Accompany a Mission to Poland it is Like a Return to Hell" - By Asher Aud

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:34:00 GMT

This is the testimonial of Asher Aud, a Polish Holocaust survivor that participated in FIDF's 30th Anniversary Delegation to Poland and Israel. During the mission, Asher returned to Auschwitz once more to share his harrowing memories.
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Israel Mourns Loss of Two Soldiers on the eve of Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:21:00 GMT

As Israel commemorates the victims of the Holocaust today, Wednesday, April 18th, the country mourns the loss of two soldiers killed during routine activities.
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My FIDF Misson To Poland - by Susan Silver

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Susan Silver was a Television Writer for many years and now spends time on organizations related to Israel and The Holocaust. She does a weekly radio commentary on www.robinhoodradio.com. Read more about her daily experiences from the mission.
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FIDF raises $26 Million at National NY Gala Dinner

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:38:00 GMT

$26 million was raised Tuesday evening, March 13, when over 1,300 prominent business and philanthropic leaders from across the country gathered at the historic Waldorf=Astoria Hotel for Friends of the IDF (FIDF) National NY Gala Dinner, demonstrating their love and support for the soldiers of Israel.
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IMPACT!’s Newest Student

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:03:50 GMT

For the first time in the IMPACT! Program’s history, alumni are giving back in a new way. Collecting various sums of money between them, members of the Graduate Club will be sponsoring new IMPACT! student Nethanel Averha. Thus far, 36,000 Shekels have been collected, the rest continuing to be collected over the following year.
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Israeli and American Wounded Veterans Bond During Bike Ride Through Israel

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:54:07 GMT

Exploring Israel’s colorful landscapes, U.S. Army and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wounded veterans took to their bicycles in the fall of 2011 for a joint bike ride organized by the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) and Friends of the IDF (FIDF).
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Chanukah Gift Vouchers for 10,000 IDF Soldiers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:58:57 GMT

Some 10,000 lone soldiers and soldiers in-need receive a fellowship gift voucher for Chanukah from the IFCJ and FIDF
The fifth year of the fellowship gift voucher project is now underway.
This year too, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), in collaboration with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers (AWIS), are giving a Chanukah gift to IDF soldiers. Read More

Friends of the IDF Western Region Chapter Holds a Once In A Lifetime Gala to Benefit Israel's Soldiers

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:15:04 GMT

Barbra Streisand, David Foster and Jason Alexander entertain at 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

The IMPACT! Scholarship Program Celebrates a Decade

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:07:00 GMT

On Wednesday, November 9th, the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program celebrated its 10th Anniversary.
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IDF men and women defend Israel's southern borders

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:25:00 GMT

The Karakal Battalion male and female combat soldiers operate together to defend Israel's security at its southern borders, thwarting infiltration, terrorist and smuggling attempts.
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IDF Navy observers watch over Israel's waters

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:42:00 GMT

Marine control observers are crucial in ensuring the security of Israel. Some stationed near the Gaza Strip, the all-female unit watches over Israel's waters day and night behind computer screens at the Navy's secured control posts.
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A record of 104 new IDF Lone Soldiers made Aliyah on jumbo charter flight sponsored by FIDF

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:01:46 GMT

A 747 jumbo charter Aliyah flight arrived in Tel Aviv from JFK airport on Tuesday morning, August 16th, carrying 360 North Americans moving to Israel.
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Combined Terrorist Attacks in Southern Israel

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:43:56 GMT

Combined terrorist attacks took place today (Thursday) on Israeli territory around noon (Israel time), near the Israeli- Egyptian border, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city of Eilat.
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Tri-State Welcomes Wounded Warriors

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:12:10 GMT

Friends of the IDF supporters gathered at Fox News headquarters Thursday morning, July 21, to cheer on six wounded IDF veterans as they kicked off a three-day cycling event with the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride. Read More

Annual Adopt a Battalion Ceremony held in Tel Aviv

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:09:59 GMT

On Monday, June 13th, families, friends, businessmen, and Israeli dignitaries gathered for the annual "Adopt a Battalion" ceremony held at Rabin Base in Tel Aviv. This year's guest of honor was IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz. Karnit Goldwasser, the widow of kidnapped soldier Ehud Goldwasser, z"l, was master of ceremonies.
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Inspiring Dynamic Fashions for the Israel Defense Forces

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:51:59 GMT

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

President honors 120 outstanding IDF soldiers

Thu, 12 May 2011 17:15:29 GMT

In a ceremony held on Tuesday (May 10) at the President's residence in Jerusalem, President Shimon Peres gave certificates of excellence to 120 IDF soldiers. Read More

IAF holds aerial salute above Israel

Thu, 12 May 2011 17:10:00 GMT

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) held an aerial salute in honor of Israel's Independence Day on Tuesday (May 10), flying through Israel's skies from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The salute incorporated (IAF) fighter jets and transport planes as well as helicopters which flew over a dozen cities including Jerusalem and Be'er Sheba and Israel's shores. Read More

FIDF's Inaugural Women's Mission to Israel

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:50:36 GMT

This past April, FIDF inaugurated its first-ever Women’s Mission to Israel. Led by New Jersey Chapter Director Margo Katz, women from across the U.S. traveled around Israel for a first-class, fun-filled and invigorating experience highlighting and honoring the women who are shaping the IDF and Israel. Read More

Almost $23.5 Million Raised at the National NY Gala Dinner!

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMT

The energy and excitement in the air was infectious as almost $23.5 million was raised Tuesday night, March 22, when close to 1,500 notable business and philanthropic leaders gathered at the historic Waldorf=Astoria Hotel for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National NY Gala Dinner, demonstrating their love and support for the soldiers of Israel. Read More

Annual Leadership Mission, Led by Western Region Vice President Rabbi Isaac Jeret - FIDF Rabbinic Cabinet Chairman, Returns from Israel

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:07:00 GMT

On January 24, 2011, Friends of the IDF embarked on its second-annual Leadership Mission sponsored by FIDF's National Rabbinic Cabinet. The Mission boasted an exceptional slate of the highest ranking officials, affording its participants insider access and debriefings by Israel’s political, diplomatic, and military leadership regarding the significant diplomatic, strategic, and security-related threats that Israel faces from the front lines.
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Friends of the IDF Hosts Commanders from the Havat HaShomer IDF Base, at 21st Annual Jewish Film Festival in San Diego

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:03:00 GMT

Between February 12-14, the San Diego Chapter of Friends of the IDF hosted IDF Lt. Col. Alaa Abu Rukun, the commander of the Havat HaShomer IDF Base, along with IDF instructor Lt. Anaelle Heymann.
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Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz Appointed 20th IDF Chief of the General Staff

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:14:00 GMT

Major General Benny Gantz was appointed IDF Chief of the General Staff and received the rank of Lieutenant General today, February 14th 2011, at a national ceremony held in the Prime Minister's chamber.
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Two Female Pilots and a Female Navigator Graduate from Recent IAF Pilot Course

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:06:00 GMT

Based on the course graduate statistics, there has been a significant increase in the number of pilots from southern Israel. Additionally, 15% of the graduates were not born in Israel, 20% volunteered for a year of community service before being drafted, and 55% were members of a youth movement. Read More