More than 900 supporters gathered, Nov. 10, at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich for the 2024 FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Evening of Solidarity Dinner, to raise funds for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers during their greatest time of need. The sold-out event, organized by Friends of the IDF (FIDF), was a powerful demonstration of support for the men and women on the frontlines, as they battle terrorism, protect Israel’s security and work to bring home hostages following the horrific massacre on Oct. 7 and the continued attacks by Iran and its proxies across the Middle East.
Event co-chairs Cindy and David Eigen, and Lisa and Todd Kantor, helped orchestrate the inspiring evening, which brought together local leaders, philanthropists and community members in a united effort to support IDF soldiers and their humanitarian needs.
Guests at the event were honored to hear from active-duty combat IDF soldiers who shared first-hand experiences of their service and the impact of FIDF’s vital work on the frontlines
An officer from Stamford, Connecticut, who serves in the Foreign Relations Unit at the Allenby crossing, spoke movingly about how FIDF has directly supported her service.
“I chose to enlist because Israel is where I belong, and I felt a duty to protect our people and our land,” she said. “In my role, I help monitor our border and work closely with Jordanian forces to strengthen regional ties. A few weeks ago, during Rosh Hashanah, I was honored with the Award of Excellence from my battalion commander. Seeing FIDF’s support in this community and now experiencing it as a soldier, I feel its impact every day. From the state-of-the-art gym they built on my base, to the washing machine and dryer I use for laundry, to the ambulance they donated, which has been first on the scene at many terror attacks, FIDF transforms the soldier experience — this is a real unit.”
The evening’s main guest was former Hamas hostage Andrey Kozlov, who was freed from Hamas captivity in June after eight months, along with three other hostages, in an Israeli special rescue operation.
“It’s nearly impossible to describe the fear every hostage felt on Oct. 7 and during the months that followed. That day was the most extreme and terrifying of my life,” said Kozlov. “The months that followed were the worst I have ever known, always wondering, ‘Which day will I come back? Will I ever come back?’”
“I felt defenseless, angry, weak, and utterly hopeless. But somehow, I made it through. I’m forever grateful to the brave and heroic Arnon Zmora and his incredible family. May every hostage soon be free… Bring them home now!” he concluded.
Keynote speaker Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), provided a sobering analysis of the broader security threats facing Israel, particularly the role of Iran and its proxies in the region.
Event VIPs included Morey Levovitz, FIDF national chairman of the board; Galit Brichta, FIDF vice president, Northeast region; Anat Chavkin, FIDF executive director of Westchester/Connecticut; and Rebecca Grossman, FIDF senior development associate.
Also in attendance were Captain Yuval Offir, operational leader of the IDF Space Division; Major Asaf Eyal-Gabel, IDF space engineer; and Lt. Col. Maor Cohen of the Israeli Navy.”
Designated by the IDF, FIDF is the sole organization in the United States that is authorized by the IDF to raise funds for the soldiers’ humanitarian needs. As the IDF’s official partner, FIDF is the fastest and most direct way to support IDF soldiers. The organization acts according to the requirements of the IDF’s Manpower Directorate in responding to needs deemed most urgent by the IDF. Most recently, FIDF has committed to funding an $110 million initiative for soldiers and veterans in need of PTSD and mental rehabilitation support. Additional funding was committed to rebuilding bases that were destroyed on Oct 7th, and to supporting bereaved families.
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.
