Neighbor News
Over 800 Miami Supporters Attend FIDF Gala
Gala for Israeli soldiers raises over $2.2 million
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism in the United States, Elan S. Carr, was the guest speaker at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Greater Miami Gala, themed “A Night of Heroes,” held at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Fl last night, Thursday, Feb. 27. Over 800 FIDF supporters raised over $2.2 million to support educational and well-being programs for the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Guest speaker Special Envoy Carr is an officer in the United States Army Reserve and has received multiple awards and commendations for his nearly two decades of military service. As the son of Iraqi Jewish refugees who fled persecution in Iraq, Carr speaks Hebrew and the Iraqi dialect of Arabic. While in Iraq, he met with remnants of the Jewish community there and led Jewish services in the former presidential palace of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad.
Special Envoy Carr was the international president of the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi, served on the National Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), was a voting member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and a board member of Operation Gratitude. In the course of his work in the Jewish community, Carr has been a recognized leader in the fight against anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses and around the world.
Dror and Miriam Zadok were the event’s honorees. Co-chairing the gala were FIDF supporters Daniel Feigenbaum and Jennifer Pear Feigenbaum, as well as honorary chairs Norman and Irma Braman.
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A delegation of IDF soldiers participated in the gala, including several Lone Soldiers- men and women who enlist in the IDF without having immediate family in Israel. Among the Lone Soldiers at the gala were Sgt. Daniel, a medic adopted by a Jewish family in New Jersey, and Cpl. (Res.) Sofie, a Danish woman raised as a Christian, though her Jewish father served in the IDF. Sofie is among the few women to serve as an F-35 jet mechanic in the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Also in attendance was Cpt. (Res.) Omri, a Druz soldier who was injured in battle, and an FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship recipient.
Other distinguished guests in attendance included the FIDF Greater Miami Chapter President Evelyn Katz; FIDF National Chairman Emeritus and Past President of Greater Miami Chapter Dr. Nily Falic; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; and FIDF Florida Executive Director Dina Ben Ari.
In addition, Israeli officials in attendance included Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attache to the U.S. Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox; Israeli Consul General Jonathan Peled; Israeli Deputy Consul General Kasa Harbor; and Consul of Administration at the Consulate General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico Eli Levy.
“We are so honored to have hosted this incredible event, welcoming Special Envoy Carr and giving our supporters the opportunity to hear directly from and thank the brave soldiers who protect Israel – and Jews, worldwide,” said Evelyn Katz.