Fourteen young leaders and supporters of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) from all walks of life, representing communities from across the U.S., joined the FIDF National Young Leadership Mission to Israel, June 24 – June 30, to show their appreciation for Israel’s brave soldiers and celebrate 71 years of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The mission brought members of FIDF’s Young Leadership (YL) Division together with the soldiers of the IDF. Mission participants received in-depth briefings by military officers, toured the tunnels of the Western Wall and the Old City, explored the Golan Heights, and celebrated in Tel Aviv. Participants visited an IDF army base to get a behind-the-scenes look into the Israeli military and even met with former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley near Tel Aviv.
For the first time, mission members also participated in the Combat Soldier’s Fun Day, enjoying recreational activities alongside Israel’s soldiers. The mission participants also helped pack groceries for the organizations Ach Gadol and Ha’shomer Ha’chadash, which help address food insecurity, with combat veterans who received FIDF IMPACT! Scholarships.
“The Young Leadership Mission was a unique opportunity for young American Jews to encounter and interact with IDF soldiers and learn from them first-hand what it means to serve selflessly on the front lines,” said FIDF Chief Development Officer Nina Hanan. “Many felt that this was a life-changing experience. They came away with strong bonds with the soldiers and with each other.”
Among participants were FIDF San Diego Young Leadership Board Member Jarrod Goldberg, FIDF San Diego Young Leadership Board Member and FIDF San Diego Executive Board Member Danny Recht, FIDF San Diego Young Leadership President and FIDF San Diego Executive Board Member Stephanie Nissan, Joshua Neir, FIDF New York Young Leadership Executive Board Member Matthew Brunwasser, Lindsay Bernard, Shadi Farahi, Jake Kolar, FIDF Los Angeles Young Leadership Board Member Danielle Mund, FIDF Los Angeles Young Leadership Board Member Shardae Hanooki, Daniel Geoulla, Benjamin H., FIDF National Young Leadership Development Coordination Josh Greenberg, Bradley Fleishman, Zoe Robins, and FIDF Young Leadership Missions and Visits Manager Sharon Sheffer.
