The Los Angeles Chapter was founded in 1981 by Leo David. Our goal is very clear – to raise money for the young men and women soldiers of the IDF and to create a community that cares for and supports Israel and its soldiers.
We are so proud to be 26,000 strong and have supporters from all different communities in the greater Los Angeles area from as far south as Rancho Palos Verdes, Palm Springs to the east and Fresno to the north. Our donors include a wide range of professions from CEOs, lawyers, and doctors to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, teachers, and clergymen. We are very lucky to be supported by a long list of foundations and corporations who share our commitment including the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Steve Tisch Family Foundation.
Our Region has funded several projects at the new Negev Training and Wellbeing Center including: the swimming pool, conference center, sports center, central synagogue, sports court, library and the legacy heritage center. In addition, our Region has recently sponsored the Shayetet swimming pool, a new wing in the Beit Hashiron Tel Aviv Soldier’s home, Ramat Gan Lone Soldiers Center and the auditorium and heritage center for Unit 2182.
We have also supported Magav Jerusalem Yehudai Border Patrol, Magav Northern Border Patrol, Intelligence Corps Unit 8200, Edom Division HQ & Gaza Division, Duvdevan, Golani Brigade, Combat Intelligence Brigade, Nachal Brigade HQ, Shayetet 7, Paratroopers Battalion 101, Iron Dome Battalion. We are currently supporting the Iron Dome Battalion and the Combat Intelligence Brigade.
In addition to our annual “Making a Difference” Gala that attracts north of 1,000 people and raises close to $35 million, we have other events throughout the year such as Young Leadership mixers, Sunday Shvitzes, Family Fun Days, Parlor meetings, and Shabbat dinners.
Guy Bachar | Tamir Cohen |
Felice Cutler | Simon P. Etehad |
Michael Flesch | Susan Graysen, PhD. |
David Hager | Michael Karlin, Vice President |
Amit Kleinberger | Hilel Lewis, MD |
Daniel Mani | Michael J. Michalov, CFP |
Jeff Polak | Amitai Raziel |
Hugo Rose | Tony Rubin, Chairman |
Ari Ryan, President | Larry M. Schnaid |
Adam H. Sher, Secretary | Ben Silverman |
Marty Singer | Jeff Sklar, Treasurer |
Gary Stiffelman | Jon Waterman |
Perrie M. Weiner | David Wiener |
Zach Zalben |
Jenna Griffin, Executive Director |
Lauren Faber, Director of Operations and Special Events |
Copyright © 2024
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
p: (212) 244-3118 f: (212) 244-3119 PO Box 4224 NY, NY 10163 USA
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization