FIDF Donor Reunites with IMPACT! Recipient at Wedding in Israel

Last week, after receiving special permission to enter Israel, Barry Feldman (63), Cleveland native and President of Kottler Metal Products, reunited with his Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) IMPACT! scholarship beneficiary Tom Pesach and his fiancé as a member of their family under the Chuppah on their wedding day. Pesach went above and beyond to make sure Feldman could join him despite Covid-19 restrictions.

Pesach, currently pursuing a master’s degree at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Ramat Gan, Isreal, was born deaf in one ear and was raised by a single mother in Kiryat Ono, Israel. Being deaf, he was exempt from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) service. However, he petitioned the government to serve, and then joined a prestigious combat unit.

Feldman is a leader of the FIDF Ohio Chapter and was able to sponsor Pesach through the FIDF IMPACT! Program. IMPACT! four-year scholarships are given to former combat soldiers from lower socio-economic backgrounds, enabling them to achieve their dreams of higher education. This one-of-a-kind program also provides funds to cover soldiers’ living expenses while they study and gives them the unique benefit of direct contact with their FIDF sponsors.

Feldman first met Pesach four years ago at a hotel in Tel Aviv, their relationship grew through emails, letters, additional in-person meetings in Israel and later Pesach surprised Feldman at the FIDF Ohio Annual Dinner in 2018.

“Thanks to Barry and the IMPACT! scholarship I did not give up on myself. The support I received through FIDF’s IMPACT! scholarship not only helped me financially but showed me what I am capable of,” said Pesach. “As part of my scholarship responsibilities, I volunteered to teach math to children from disadvantaged neighborhoods.”

“I am so humbly blessed to support FIDF’s IMPACT! Program. For me it’s not just about a financial commitment, it’s about education and the advancement of society and the Jewish state,” said Feldman, adding, “It was priceless to be under the chuppah with Tom and Ksenia, who are now a part of my family.”

Since the IMPACT! program’s founding in 2002, FIDF has sponsored students from 66 countries of origin. Over 92% of IMPACT! recipients graduate successfully compared to the Israeli national average of 70-81% graduation rate. With the success of the program, some 16,130 students and alumni are represented in nearly every field, and dozens are now donors themselves.

“This story is the epitome of how powerful the IMPACT! scholarship is, exemplifying the critical contribution of the IDF combat soldiers to the security of Israel and its citizens, providing the opportunity to enhance Israeli society, and creating lasting connections between deserving students and their donors,” said Richard Uria, FIDF Ohio Chapter Chairman.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring an IMPACT! scholar please contact FIDF Ohio Director Lane Schlessel at lane.schlessel@fidf.org