New York, NY (April 8, 2021) – The fifth episode of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) philanthropic initiative “FIDF LIVE,” broadcast last night focused on Yom HaShoah and featured an interview with Holocaust survivor Haim Noy (92) and his grandson, Sgt. Omer (21).
Born in what was then Czechoslovakia, Noy was taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp. After miraculously surviving the Holocaust, Noy served in the Golani Brigade during the Israeli War of Independence. In 2018, Noy participated in FIDF’s
Witnesses in Uniform Program, returning to Auschwitz 75 years later, this time with his grandson and 200 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officers by his side.
Today, Noy lives in a nursing home in the city of Haifa. His wife Chaiki passed in 2013. He has three children and nine grandchildren.
During the episode, FIDF’s Poland mission tour guide and educator Sheryl Ochayon was interviewed about her connection to Yom HaShoah and her experience on FIDF’s missions. Also taking part were Cpl. Adele from the IDF Musical Ensemble, who sang “Eli, Eli,” and Sgt. Sergio, a
Lone Soldier originally from Spain, who faced antisemitism and, as a result, decided to join the IDF.
The FIDF LIVE platform, hosted by American stand-up comedian and author Joel Chasnoff, is a high-level production broadcast experience which provides an alternative to in-person experiences and brings awareness of FIDF’s cause and activities to a broader audience. FIDF LIVE airs on FIDF’s website every other week at 8:30PM ET.
One of the main objectives in introducing content through this platform is keeping the community’s connection with Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and so this virtual experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected and in the know. As long as its supporters are unable to physically gather at FIDF’s events and galas, travel to Israel on FIDF’s missions, visit soldiers on IDF bases, or meet them in the United States, FIDF will be providing exclusive virtual access to content that cannot be found anywhere else.
