Ethiopian-Israeli Combat Veteran Runs Tel Aviv Marathon for FIDF

Photo Credits: Guy Yechiely.

TEL AVIV, Israel – Ethiopian-born Gezachew Fanta ran the 2018 Tel Aviv Marathon last Friday in honor of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), finishing in fifth place, and second among Israeli runners. Fanta is currently ranked fifth in marathon running in Israel.

Fanta served in a special operations reconnaissance unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s Golani Brigade and is now in his fourth year of studies at The Academic College at Wingate in Netanya, thanks to an FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship – a full academic scholarship for IDF combat veterans of modest means – generously sponsored by Renay Angel and Dan Mendlovic of Beachwood, Ohio.

“I am where am I am today because of Renay Angel and Dan Mendlovic’s kindness and generosity,” said Fanta, who immigrated to Israel at age 19 from Ethiopia with his parents and eight siblings. “Thanks to them, and FIDF, I have a much brighter future ahead of me.”

Within a few years of moving to Israel, Fanta learned Hebrew, completed his education and enlisted in the IDF. During his service, his commanding officers were astonished at his speed and endurance while performing simple running drills during basic training. From then on, running became an integral part of his life.

With his Wingate education, Fanta plans to help train Israel’s next generation of athletes, while also aiming to qualify for Israel’s 2020 Olympic team. He and his wife are also expecting their first child.

“Let us cheer on this incredible young man, for competing in the Tel-Aviv Marathon under the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship banner, embodying the ongoing ‘impact’ of this amazing program,” said Renay Angel.

Since its founding 16 years ago, the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program has provided some 12,500 four-year financial need-based scholarships for deserving IDF combat veterans, including 4,470 students at over 70 institutions throughout Israel during the 2017-18 academic year. The power of FIDF’s flagship IMPACT! Program resonates far beyond the individual, as each scholarship recipient completes 130 volunteer hours during each year of study. In this way, FIDF’s IMPACT! is the premier community service scholarship program in Israel. IMPACT! students will not only be able to complete their studies, but will then go on to make good livings, build families, and contribute to a stronger Israeli society.

Joining Fanta in the marathon on Friday were 70 FIDF team members – all IMPACT! scholarship recipients –celebrating Israel’s 70th anniversary this year.

Photo #1: Ethiopian-born Gezachew Fanta, who finished fifth in Friday's Tel-Aviv Marathon, racing in a shirt paying tribute to Friends of the IDF and its IMPACT! Scholarship Program.

Photo #2: Ethiopian-born Gezachew Fanta, who finished fifth in Friday's Tel-Aviv Marathon, and ran in honor of Friends of the IDF, shows off his medal.

Photo #3: The Friends of the IDF Tel Aviv Marathon race team, with 70 runners celebrating Israel’s 70th anniversary.