More than 1,200 business leaders and philanthropists from across the United States saluted the Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday during the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National Gala Dinner in New York, raising a record $37 million to support various programs for Israeli troops.
The FIDF National Gala, under the theme 'A Night of Heroes,' took place at the New York Hilton Midtown and featured active-duty IDF soldiers and other special guests.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
A delegation of 20 IDF troops attended the gala, including soldiers who volunteered to serve Israel proudly despite not being required to do so due to their backgrounds and special circumstances.
Among them were Cpl. Sofie, a Danish lone soldier who was raised as a Christian, though her Jewish father served in the IDF. She is one of the few women to serve as an F-35 jet mechanic in the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
Other soldiers included Lt. A., a lone soldier from east Jerusalem whose decision to join the IDF, which he viewed as his patriotic duty, cost him his family, friends, and home.
He got a standing ovation when he spoke about his decision to become one of the only Palestinians to join the IDF. "During the Second Lebanon War, when Hezbollah's rockets hit both Jews and Arabs, I made the decision to join a combat unit," he said. "My father kicked me out of the house and my entire life was turned upside down, but I am proud of my decision and I have no regrets," he continued.
Distinguished guests included Social Equality Minister MK Gila Gamliel; Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Amb. Danny Danon; Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan; Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox; FIDF Chairman Rabbi Peter Weintraub; FIDF President Bobby Cohen and FIDF Chairman Emeritus Arthur Stark; FIDF Chairman Emeritus Dr. Nily Falic; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; and internationally acclaimed TV journalist Michelle Makori, who served as master of ceremonies.
"The brave men and women who wear IDF uniform passionately protect not only the Jewish homeland but Jews all over the world," Klifi-Amir told Israel Hayom. "Thanks to the 139 million dollars we have raised over the past year, we have managed to transform the lives of 105,000 Israeli troops," he continued.
According to Klifi-Amir, "the IDF is an extraordinary force of good. Guided by its official ethical code, which holds human life above all else, Israel's soldiers are true global heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty: They save lives, tend to the needy, care for the wounded, and help whomever is in crisis. They are the faces of the diverse Israeli nation, and as Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion once said, the IDF is the melting pot of the Israeli society."
IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi sent a video message that was played at the event, speaking on the various challenges facing the military.
Funds raised at the gala will be used as academic scholarships for combat veterans, financial assistance for soldiers in-need, support for lone soldiers throughout their service and upon release, crucial aid for wounded veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, weeks of rest and recuperation for entire IDF units, as well as educational, cultural, and recreational facilities.
The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom.
