Jewish Community News

News: November 2007

Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces establishes South Bay/Penisula chapter

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has formally established a South Bay/Peninsula Chapter.  Robert Hudson, Arnie Addison, and Lisa Cohen serve as the principal leaders of the Chapter that for the past 18 months has been holding a variety of meetings and events to introduce the organization to the community.
    A 501(c)(3) charitable organization that in 2006 raised more than $46 million nationwide for the wellbeing of Israel’s brave soldiers, FIDF has received the highest rating for efficiency by Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates non-profit organizations.  FIDF is the only organization sanctioned by the State of Israel and the Ministry of Defense to raise funds for the Israel Defense Forces. 
    The FIDF initiates and helps support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. It also provides these services and others to the widows and children of soldiers who have fallen in defense of Israel.
    During Israel’s war in 2006, it was the FIDF that provided a broad array of emergency services directly to soldiers on the front lines including several “lone soldiers” whose families reside in South Bay communities.