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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
November 2021
“FIDF LIVE” Rosh Hashanah episode salutes Lone Soldiers in the IDF Courtesy of FIDF
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ew York, NY (September 15, 2021) – Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) saluted the Lone Soldiers that serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Rosh Hashanah episode of “FIDF LIVE.” The 13th episode of the program spotlighted several Lone Soldiers from the United States and England that are currently serving in the IDF and putting purpose and passion above all else. Of the approximate 7,000 Lone Soldiers currently serving in Israel’s military, around half are volunteers that represent some 70 countries all over the world. Many of these soldiers have left their families and the comforts of their homes to live in Israel and protect the Jewish homeland by serving in the IDF as Lone Soldiers. The program shares personal accounts of Lone Soldiers currently serving in the IDF who have overcome challenges, including terrorist attacks, and continue to serve in their respective units with pride and dedication. The episode opened with an interview with Cpt. Alon, IDF platoon commander at the 611 Battalion stationed in southern Israel. That battalion guards Israel’s border by detecting the launching points of mortars and rockets fired toward Israel and protecting incoming
threats in the artillery unit. Also featured was Cpl. Eden, who serves as a combat soldier within Cpt. Alon’s platoon. Cpl. Eden, a Los Angeles native, is a Lone Soldier. Sgt. Lian, a combat soldier originally from London, serves in the Search and Rescue Brigade. Her segment shares the story of how she narrowly avoided a stabbing attack from a terrorist while on patrol in Israel’s southern region. A Lone Soldier originally from Tampa, FL, 2nd Lt. Isaac shared his unique and fascinating perspective as a combat photographer previously in the U.S. Marines and now the IDF. The final Lone Soldier spotlight was on Cadet Ori, who left his home in San Diego to serve in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He chose to continue his service
in the IDF officers training course after surviving a terrorist car ramming attack in Jerusalem last year. The program closed with an inspirational message about Lone Soldiers from IDF Head of the Manpower Directorate, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor. Part of Maj. Gen. Asor’s duties includes guiding soldiers throughout their service — from army pre-draft to post-service. By introducing content through this platform, the FIDF is keeping the
community’s connection with Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and this virtual experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected. To watch the Rosh Hashanah episode, please visit https://www.fidf.org/fidflive/ episode-13.
Jewish National Fund-USA offers two events By Jewish National Fund-USA
Warm and Happy Wishes at Hanukkah The Festival of Lights is here… light the menorah, play with the dreidel, and feast on latkes and sufganiyot. Celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah with friends and family! HONORING TRADITIONS, strengthening
Every life is unique and deserves to be remembered in a special way. The professionals at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones honor the heritage of the Jewish faith with a meaning-
faith
ful memorial that truly captures the essence of the life it represents. We offer our deepest gratitude for giving us the opportunity to assist you through one of the most challenging times in life, and for allowing us to earn and keep your trust.
525 11th Avenue North | Naples, FL 34108 239-597-3101 | www.HodgesNaplesMG.com
Reading Series: Why Do Jewish? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood Join Jewish National Fund-USA and author Zachary Bodner, president and chief executive officer of Oshman Family JCC, on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 at 7 p.m. (ET) to discuss what it means to not only "be Jewish" but to "do Jewish." Through a combination of personal stories, insights from some of the world’s greatest teachers and contemporary analysis, Why Do Jewish? takes one of our oldest wisdom traditions and provides an accessible guide for anyone looking for answers to life’s most important questions. This event is free to attend. Register at jnf.org/readingseries. Questions? Contact Sarah Cohen at scohen@jnf.org.
Activism in My Father’s Footsteps JNF-USA presents Elisha Wiesel in conversation with Russell F. Robinson The time has come to show the world what Zionism looks like. That Zionism comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. That it’s inclusive, diverse, beautiful, respectful. That it builds bridges. That it’s about freedom: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom from preconceived notions. That Zionism supports Israel,
a country where synagogues, mosques and churches all share the same skyline. A country where Christians, Jews and Muslims live as neighbors and sit around the same table – while they may have different views, they all have a seat. Join JNF-USA for a series of human interactions, short films, interviews, panel discussions and more – all meant to facilitate a dialogue and expose the beautiful and diverse facets of modern Zionism and its positive impact on many aspects of our lives, no matter where we are on the globe. Episode 7 of JNF-USA’s Conversations on Zionism series features Elisha Weisel, son of Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, in conversation with JNF-USA’s CEO, Russell F. Robinson. Elisha is a former Wall Street executive who now advocates for persecuted groups in all communities. Having retired from a 25-year financial markets career at Goldman Sachs at the end of 2019, Elisha continued his father’s legacy by standing up for minorities everywhere. This event is free. Register at jnf.org/convos.
