At a time when antisemitism is rampant and the security of Israel is more critical than ever following the horrific Oct. 7 terror attacks, 600 Long Island supporters of Friends of the IDF (FIDF), took steps to give back to the families of the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Jewish Homeland.
The“FIDF Family Walk-a-Thon”, in partnership with the Youth Chesed Group of Babylonian Jewish Center of Great Neck, was held in honor of the 76th anniversary of Israel’s Independence.
The event began at the Saddle Rock Parking Lot in Great Neck and participants, waving Israeli flags, walked to the Babylonian Jewish Center where the enjoyed a meaningful program in the BJC ballroom. All funds raised will go to support Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bereaved families.
“The Long Island chapter of FIDF is honored to play a role in bringing the local community together during this profoundly challenging time for the Jewish people,” said Orna Sheena, Director, FIDF Long Island chapter. “We are grateful to the participating families and proud of the Babylonian Jewish Center’s Chesed program for stepping up, year after year, to support IDF soldiers—the brave defenders of Israel and the Jewish people—and their families.”
Designated by the IDF, the FIDF is the sole organization in the United States that is authorized to raise funds for the soldiers. FIDF acts according to the requirements of the IDF’s Manpower Directorate in responding to those needs that the IDF itself deems most urgent. Since the start of the war, funds have been directed to lifesaving medical supplies, such as ambulances, blood plasma and countless medical devices as well as hygiene kits for soldiers in the field, aid for thousands of bereaved families and emergency support for lone soldiers.
As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers. Tens of millions of dollars have been transferred to the IDF to meet critical needs for its soldiers following the Oct. 7 terror attacks.
“As a part of the Chesed Youth Program I initiated four years ago, we’ve been deeply committed to BJC’s Helping Hand initiative, offering support to our IDF soldiers,” said Orly Maslavi, VP of the Babylonian Jewish Center, Director and Founder of BJC’s Helping Hand. “Our inaugural walkathon in 2020 saw around 40 participants, but on May 19th, 2024, for our fourth annual walkathon, the turnout was astounding, with approximately 600 individuals joining us. It was a powerful display of Jewish pride and solidarity with our brave soldiers. Together, we walked to ensure they know they’re not alone.”
About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):
FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C) (3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of the young men and women of the IDF who protect Israel and Jews worldwide through empowering educational, financial, well-being and cultural initiatives. With 25 chapters throughout the United States, FIDF proudly supports soldiers before, during and after their service, as well as families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans, reinforcing the vital bond between the communities in the United States and the soldiers of the IDF. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org
—Submitted by the Friends of the IDF
