FIDF Young Leadership 2010 Gala "Havana Nights"

Reporting by Leah

On December 4, 2010 over 1,100 young Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) came together to attend the Young Leadership of the FIDF Annual Gala and show their support for the young men and women that defend the Jewish homeland.Theblack tie 2010 “Havana Nights” was the 8th Annual Gala and heldat the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. This much anticipatedevent allowed FIDF young supporters to enjoy a night of entertainment, mingling, dancing, delicious buffet dinner,open bar, splendid raffle prizes worththousands of dollars,and casino games while supporting the FIDF. The evenings entertainment featured Salsa International and DJ Sinatra.I spoke with National Director of the FIDF Maj. Gen. Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon at the Gala.

The Young Leadership of the FIDF Annual Gala is an annual event drawing hundreds of New York’s Young Professionals all dressed in black tie and ready for an unforgettable night. The event focused on fundraising for FIDF’s very own brave IDF soldiers who put their lives on the line for the state of Israel. Presale tickets cost $225 per person and after November 3 tickets were $250 per person. The 8th Annual FIDF Young Leadership Gala helped raise over $575,000 to benefit the well being of soldiers. The organizers of the Gala not only accomplished their goal to deliver the third of three Mobile Dental Clinics to the soldiers, but also have funds for additional programs such as university scholarships for former combat soldiers.

About FIDF Young Leadership:

The Young Leadership of FIDF offers individuals in their 20’s to 40’s opportunities to become involved in the organizations efforts of supporting the soldiers while socializing/networking with their peers. Throughout the year, Young Leadership sponsors events, such as community-wide Shabbat Dinners and parlor meetings with visiting soldiers, to raise awareness about FIDFs various programs. Young Leadership also hosts fundraising parties at local hot spots that attract hundreds of guests. Young Leadership allocates the funds it raises at these events to support various FIDF programs.

There are approximately 8,000 members of the Young Leadership community with groups in the New York Tri-State Region, Los Angeles, Central Region and Miami.

“While Israel’s unyielding soldiers were risking their lives defending Israel, a land that is physically and symbolically irreplaceable, I was fortunate enough to be studying at a private university in America. Helping to ensure the comfort and well-being of these young heroes through the FIDF is the least I can do to say ‘Thank You’.”

FIDF Supporter and Friend.

For more information on the FIDF and Young Leadership please visit www.fidf.org/YLNY or www.fidf.org