Friends of the IDF Long Island dinner is Oct. 30

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The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces expects roughly 500 guests at its annual Long Island dinner to salute honor the men and women of the IDF at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success on Oct. 30. The Five Towns send the most young people to serve in the Israeli army as “Lone Soldiers” than any other community in the United States.

Rocket scientist Ari Sacher, who works in the Air Superiority Systems Division at the Israeli firm Rafael, where he develops new air defense systems and has led the Iron Dome project, is the keynote speaker.

Several IDF soldiers will attend the “A Night of Heroes” event, including Maj. Matan, now a doctor in a prestigious IDF commando unit, who will share his family’s story of perseverance from the horrors of the Holocaust to his service as an Israeli soldier today; Sgt. L., a commander in an elite IDF unit, is a lone soldier — one who voluntarily enlists in the IDF without having immediate family in Israel — and is from a small Alaska town; and Staff Sgt. R., a fighter in the renowned Golani command platoon.

A host of dignitaries are also expected to attend, including Edeed Ben Josef; FIDF National Board Member and Chairman of the Long Island Chapter, Ronny Ben Josef; FIDF National Chairman, Rabbi Peter Weintraub; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; and FIDF Long Island Director, Pninit Cole, Michelle Ahdoot will emcee. Sara Shonfeld of Musical Minds will perform on drums with local children. 

“Our annual dinner will be a wonderful opportunity to meet active-duty soldiers of different backgrounds, all with the same goal of protecting Israel,” Cole said in a news release. “Our supporters from the community will have the chance to thank the brave soldiers who defend Israel and directly benefit from FIDF’s important well-being and educational programs.”

It begins at 6 p.m. and the proceeds benefit the FIDF’s well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers. For more information or to support FIDF, please visit: https://www.fidf.org/events/fidf-long-island-north-shore-gala. Fresh Meadow Country Club, 255 Lakeville Rd. in Lake Success.