At Friends of the IDF, we stand on the shoulders of giants, but few cast a shadow as benevolent or as enduring as Leo David. It is with profound pride and immense gratitude to have Leo as the visionary founder and force behind FIDF’s Western Region.
Leo’s life is a testament to the power of thinking big—not for himself, but for the Jewish State.
This unconditional love for Israel’s defenders is at the core of his legacy. When Leo founded the Western Region of FIDF in 1981, he didn’t just open a chapter; he ignited a movement. Refusing to settle for a quiet launch, he flew to Las Vegas to recruit legends like Sammy Davis Jr., ensuring that the mission to support Israel’s soldiers began with the thunderous applause it deserved.
But Leo’s connection to the IDF is far more than philanthropic; it is personal. It was forged in uniform. As a 22-year-old soldier during Israel’s War of Independence, Leo saw beyond the mission. Realizing his comrades were suffering from poverty, he made it his personal duty to lift their spirits, treating them to nights out and ensuring they found moments of light and relief even in the shadow of war. He was their brother then, and he remains their guardian now.
That spirit of brotherhood followed him to Los Angeles. As he built a massive business empire—spanning diamond cutting to the iconic “Leo’s Stereo” stores, he never lost sight of his true purpose. He turned his success into a lifeline for Israel’s heroes, transforming a small operation into a powerhouse of support. Because of Leo, army bases have been transformed with gyms, auditoriums, libraries, and countless veterans have built new futures through college scholarships.
“I’ve never worried too much about money, because I thought I could always make more,” Leo once said.
Instead, he chose to spend a lifetime ensuring that the young men and women serving Israel had the support, the dignity, and the love they earned. We are humbled by his friendship, inspired by his generosity, and honored to have had him leading the charge for FIDF throughout the years.
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