Looking Forward

Looking Forward

FIDF is abuzz with activity, new opportunities and programs, refreshing energy and passion, all focused on a year reaching for new heights, broadening our community, and deepening our relationships. To kickstart the organization’s momentum, a national conference was held in New York the last week of January, focused on key messages and support for the regional teams throughout the country. I had the privilege of kicking off this two and a half day work session, a prime opportunity to both recognize the FIDF professionals for their meaningful accomplishments in 2022 and galvanize their efforts in an increasingly challenging Jewish philanthropic environment and economy.

Leading into this conference was our first National Board meeting of the calendar year. Thank you to those of you who attended in person and via zoom. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to review the new regional paradigm in the organization’s structure, share the critical elements to broadening and strengthening FIDF’s supporter base, and discuss ways that each of you can meaningfully contribute during Israel’s 75^th year! 

View slides from presentation

There are two connective themes that were highlighted with the professionals and National Board members to inspire and guide us this year: the culture of “OneFIDF” and the importance of our actions and people as a “force multiplier.”

While every organization aspires to operate as one unified entity, to realize our mission-critical role and vision of being THE single best brand for Zionism, we need a singular mindset and voice – professionals and lay leaders inextricably united – bonded by commitment and love for an eternally free and secure land of Israel. OneFIDF means a culture where:

• We are THE choice for professionals, community leaders, and donors who want to actively express their Zionism by supporting Israel’s greatest assets: the men and women who protect the Jewish homeland and people.
• We work as one unit to grow our supporter base and deepen our relationships as there is strength in numbers. FIDF is a cause for every life stage and for a lifetime.
• We are a culture of respect and support for each other and our professionals.
• We share ownership of FIDF’s long-term growth, and we strategically steward the organization’s wellbeing.
• We ensure career pathing and opportunities for our professionals.
• We mentor future lay leaders.

The partnership between professionals and lay leaders is the “force multiplier” which exponentially increases the impact that each would achieve separately. This year provides an extraordinary opportunity for our efforts to be even further amplified with the broad-based excitement and pride of Israel’s 75^th birthday. I referenced before our unparalleled position as the best Zionist ‘pure play’ brand in supporting and connecting with Israel. Driven by our unique and exclusive relationship with the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, we are always on the pulse of what Israel’s men and women need most, during and immediately after their service.

This is THE moment for you to drive the force multiplier through your engagement and ambassadorship, ensuring Israel continues to be strong, free, and flourishing. In this issue of OnBoard, you’ll see our 2023 calendar highlighting the uniquely-FIDF events and programs during this monumental year. Join us on a life-changing mission; come and bring your community to galas and in-person events where FIDF comes to life; and share our posts on social media so that your network can see firsthand why FIDF is the premier organization in support of Zionism. 

The best ways for you to activate the force multiplier (which we generally refer to as the “three wealths”) are through:

• Your knowledge and experience – which are instrumental to FIDF’s strategic direction forward. As a reminder, there are four working committees focused on driving growth:
  • Operations, led by Morey Levovitz
  • Personnel and Compensation, led by Amitai Raziel
  • Finance and Audit, led by Rob Selati
  • Board Engagement/Leadership and Development, led by Garry Sobel
  • Please reach out to Nancy or me if you would like to contribute to these efforts.
  • Your community and network – expanding and deepening relationships with FIDF’s community is a critical part of the force multiplier.

Join us and bring friends to as many FIDF events and programs as you can, including a parlor meeting or similar highly personalized event that you host.

• Your financial assistance – contributing to the critical support we provide in health, welfare, and education of those who selflessly protect Israel.

There are some tough headwinds in front of us. Yet, we are also on the cusp of the greatest wealth transfer in history, offering an unprecedented opportunity to support Israel’s most courageous men and women. Please take advantage of this moment and make your “future” gift to the upcoming generations of Israel’s soldiers. It only takes a few minutes to change thousands of lives forever.

Learn about Future Gifts

I value and appreciate your continued partnership in building a stronger community, deepening our relationships with one another, and welcoming others to join our mission. Wishing you a Happy Purim. I look forward to seeing you.

B’achdut,

Fred