On April 19, 80 FIDF supporters embarked on FIDF’s iconic nine-day journey of remembrance to Poland and Israel where they retraced history, “from Holocaust to 75 years of independence.” This year, we were fortunate to have hosted two Holocaust survivors, David Schaecter of Miami and Ben Midler of San Diego, who shared their incredible stories of perseverance and survival in the face of unfathomable horror. And, for the first time since 2019, were able to once again bring a delegation of 20 IDF officers as part of FIDF’s Witnesses in Uniform program. Together the group marched through the gates of Auschwitz in solidarity, honored the fallen soldiers of the IDF on Yom HaZikaron, and rejoiced in celebration of Israel’s 75 miraculous years of independence.
FIDF’s Witnesses in Uniform Program gives IDF soldiers a profound understanding of their Jewish identity and heritage. It strengthens their resolve to persevere and to protect the State of Israel.
Beginning in Poland, the mission took participants through 1,100 years of Jewish history and six years of the darkest time of human history. In an incredible and unexpected turn of events, exclusive access was granted by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to David Schaechter, who returned to “Block 8” where he was imprisoned as a child, starved and tortured, and witness to thousands of murders including members of his family. This was the first time a member of the public was allowed to enter this private area of the museum.
For David, the visit was excruciating but necessary. “Having to walk through Cell 8 was choking. While I was prepared for the trauma, I almost fainted. I don’t know how in G-d’s name I came out of the Holocaust alive. What gave me strength was having IDF commanders by my side as well as FIDF supporters who saw first-hand some of the horrors of what we experienced during the most horrendous time in history.”
After an emotional few days, the delegation flew to Israel where they joined Israelis from across the nation in mourning and in commemoration. On Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, the group participated in several official state ceremonies, including one at the Kotel and another at Har Tayasim (Pilot’s Mountain), the official memorial to the Israeli Air Force commemorating its fallen soldiers. Participants sat with bereaved families, heard their stories, and shared in their grief. They met with Nefesh B’Nefesh, a partner organization, and learned about the process of caring for the bereaved. They also met the soldiers who have the difficult responsibility of delivering the heart-wrenching news feared by every Israeli parent.
Celebration followed at a beautiful gala dinner honoring Israel’s 75th Independence day, where participants joined Israelis from border to border in commemorating this historic milestone. Several IMPACT! students whose sponsors were on the mission joined the dinner making the event even more special and memorable.
FIDF missions reinforce the interconnectedness between FIDF lay leaders, donors, professionals, and the courageous soldiers who stand on the frontlines, day in and day out. Our presence in Israel, celebrating her milestone anniversary and how far we have come, is a testament of our unending support. We stand in solidarity with the citizens of Israel, as one people, who have overcome so much to get to where we are today.
As he reflected on the nine-day mission, one young soldier from the delegation shared, “Today, I am not just an Israeli soldier, I am a Jewish soldier, and I know the connection is bigger than me and I am forever grateful to now be connected to Jews around the world.”
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