Some 1,400 supporters of the IDF, Jewish and non-Jewish, Israeli and American, came to the Waldorf Astoria to declare their love of Israel and the young people who defend it for the Friends of the IDF’s annual New York gala.
The event on Tuesday evening raised around $20 million for the IDF, with individual pledges of upwards of $1.5 million for support of the lone soldiers program and many others.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu appeared via video, thanking the FIDF for its support.
“Our army is a complement to Israel’s sovereignty,” Netanyahu said. “There are those who seek to extinguish our lives. Anti-Semitism always changes its garland. But we have resolved to fight back. Thank you for helping the IDF fight back and secure a Jewish future.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz spoke next, thanking the FIDF for its steadfastness.
“I want to deeply and honestly thank you for your committed work and for setting an example. I’m grateful to be here. You strengthen our nation as a whole,” he said ....
