There are shining examples of FIDF board members who are engaging their communities in exemplary ways today and are key to growth within their respective chapter. Each issue of OnBoard will include examples of board engagement, as not only do we want to celebrate their successes, but also share some of their personal stories as inspiration for all of us.

Susan and Max Reichenthal are at the heart of re-establishing FIDF’s Houston chapter, in partnership with the newly added professionals. They are both native Houstonians and professionally are the force behind Texas Iron and Metal Company where Max is the President/CEO, and Susan is Vice President. Max has directed Texas Iron and Metal for over two decades, growing it from what was originally a scrap metal business to a robust company with a stake in surplus steel. The Reichenthals were raised in Jewish homes where Israel and tzedakah were critical and continued these traditions in their own homes where they raised three children of their own, Nathan, Jaclyn, and Ariel. In addition to their involvement in FIDF, they are also active in their synagogue and have always been dedicated to Jewish education in Houston and national Jewish groups.

Susan and Max currently serve as co-chairs of the FIDF South Texas Chapter and are fully dedicated to redeveloping a more robust and vibrant chapter, helping to re-establish and then deepen its roots in Houston. Their goal is to educate more people about the FIDF mission and bring more supporters from the Houston area to our cause.

Susan’s commitment to FIDF stems from her belief that supporting FIDF is the easiest opportunity to support Israel in a meaningful and personal way. As she states, “Your dollars impact soldiers’ lives, enabling them to have the personal support they need to succeed, whether it be physical, emotional, or financial. I want to support the men and women who put their lives on the line so my family and my family’s future generations will be able to call Israel our Jewish Homeland.”

For Max, Israel was always part of the family discussion growing up. He got involved with FIDF after hearing a Lone Soldier tell his story at a gala many years ago. This experience helped him realize that he wanted to give and help the men and women of the IDF.” Max shares, “I have many nieces and nephews in Israel, and friends whose kids made aliyah and are in the IDF. I feel FIDF is important because we can help support the kids who are in the IDF, with education, health, and to just make things easier and more accessible on their bases. Most kids grow up and go into the armed forces in Israel. They do their service; some stay for years and some only a few, but they all protect our homeland.”

Steve Weil has shared from his personal interactions with the Reichenthals, “Susan and Max are an incredible couple who have committed their lives to building Houston’s Jewish institutions as well as to engaging Jews and Christians as partners in building Israel. We are blessed to have them as role models and partners in transforming the lives of Israel’s soldiers.”

Susan’s energy and enthusiasm are evident as she speaks about what is changing for the Houston chapter. “We are beginning to organize, grow, and be visible, supported by the tremendous work our new CEO is doing to restructure our organization. We have new leadership in the chapter, two dynamic women who are qualified and motivated and passionate about Israel and the IDF.” And why does she expect the Houston community will support the organization? “Jewish Houstonians by nature have always supported Jewish causes in a big way. So why should FIDF be any different?” she believes.