(JNS) Thousands of supporters from across the globe joined Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in saluting Israel’s soldiers and veterans at the first-ever virtual FIDF National Gala on Sunday. Themed “A Night of Heroes,” the event raised a total of $15 million to support educational programs for Israeli soldiers, with donations still being made.
The program featured several segments honoring IDF soldiers, including lone soldiers who join the IDF with no immediate family in Israel.
Among those recognized at the gala was a female Black Hawk Pilot, Cpt. T., who participated in an opening segment called “Air, Land and Sea,” in which active-duty soldiers took the audience on an action-packed training mission. Another segment, focusing on one family’s multigenerational story, highlighted the Witnesses in Uniform Program.
The gala featured a performance by pop star and IDF soldier Noa Kirel, who just signed a deal with Atlantic Records. Israeli singer and songwriter Idan Raichel also performed live, as did the IDF Musical Ensemble featuring soldier Eden Alena, who will represent Israel in the next Eurovision Song Contest.
