SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Over $500,000 was raised at the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) 3rd Annual Gala Appreciation Evening that took place on Saturday, January 19, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. More than 700 prominent lay leaders and FIDF supporters from across the San Diego area attended the dinner with the theme of honoring the brave soldiers of the Israeli Air Force.
The keynote speaker at the Gala was Brig. Gen. David Barki, head of the Helicopter Air Division. Other special guests included IDF Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi; IDF veteran Sgt. Izzy Ezagui, who was wounded in 2008 while serving in the Haruv Unit during the Cast Lead Operation in Gaza; and an IAF female pilot. The night also included a live musical performance from the Israeli Air Force Ensemble.
The event was honored by the presence of the FIDF National Chairman, Nily Falic, FIDF National President and Chairman of the San Diego Chapter, Julian Josephson, FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, Executive Director of the FIDF San Diego Chapter, Nir BenZvi, representatives from the United States Congress, the California State Assembly, and the California State Senate, and distinguished FIDF supporters. The Co-Chairs of the dinner were Jenny Josephson and Herb “Moshe” Weiss.
The funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF wellbeing and educational programs for the IDF soldiers.
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Preceding provided by Friends of IDF
Preceding provided by Friends of Israel Defence Forces