San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

The San Francisco Bay Area chapter was established in 2008. Extending from the wine country in the north down to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in the south, our chapter is home to a large and growing Jewish community. Since the establishment of the FIDF chapter, the community’s ties to Israel and its support of the IDF soldiers have been rapidly growing.

Based on its new professional staff and its reenergized Board, this chapter has high expectations and goals. The chapter issues a monthly e-newsletter and carries out a wide range of programs, including events that cater to the large young and technology-savvy population of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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 San Francisco Bay Area Chapter | 870 Market St., Suite 1015, San Francisco, CA 94102.; | 415-547-8360 | sanfrancisco@fidf.org


San Francisco Chapter Upcoming Events

 

FIDF Bay Area Summer 2013 Mission to Israel

June 14-20 2013
This is a Bay Area mission for families with kids (15-20 yrs old). Having young adult kids interact with soldiers who are around the same age will develop lasting familial bonds and connections with the country and its people.

For more information, contact Jonathan Bernstein at 415-547-8362

 
- San Francisco Event Calendar -

Articles & Past Events
 

Coming together over high anxiety: New local support group to unite parents of soldiers in Israel

First thing each morning, Kory Zipperstein checks the news to make sure all is calm in the Middle East. After all, his son, Caleb, serves with the Israel Defense Forces. If hostilities were to break out, Caleb could find himself on the front lines.


Read More


Vallejo Jewish temple holds study, movie screening in celebration

Jonathan Bernstein, executive director of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, talks at Congregation B'nai Israel in Vallejo.Read More








Ricki Alon, Silicon Valley businesswoman, nominated to serve on the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National Board

The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) nominated Silicon Valley resident and businesswoman, Ricki Alon, who is the Chairperson of the local FIDF San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, to serve on its National Board.Read More




San Francisco 2012 Gala Dinner

Watch highlights from FIDF San Francisco Region’s Gala 2012 dinner. Included in the video are Ilan Benjamin, cousin of Daniel Pearl; Miriam Peretz, mother of two fallen IDF soldiers; and current South African soldier, Emma Meltz. Watch the video



Hundreds Gather to Honor Lone Soldiers

Nearly 300 people gathered on December 9, 2012 in San Francisco to hear first-hand accounts from two of Israel’s lone soldiers and honor their service to the country. Read More





San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Hosts IDF Musical Ensemble

This past Israeli Independence Day, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces was fortunate enough to host the IDF Musical Ensemble. The talented group of soldiers, along with Alona, an IMPACT! scholarship student, performed and spoke at a variety of venues from synagogues to Jewish day schools throughout the Bay Area. Read More



Local Kids Say Thanks to IDF Soldiers

In partnership with Kehillah Jewish High School and the Jewish Kids in Action (JKA) Friendship Circle, FIDF gathered special messages of support for the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces.
Read More





FIDF Hosts Former Ambassador John Bolton for May 14th Yom Ha’Atzmaut Dinner Celebration

A private fundraiser with attendees from all over the Bay Area was held in Los Altos Hills at the home of Board Co-chair Ricki Alon and her husband Zvi Alon in celebration of Israeli Independence Day.
Read More





View older articles & events

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San Francisco Bay Chapter Board of Directors

   
Ricki Alon - Chairman Neal Newman
Robert Hudson – Chair Emeritus Haya Perlmutter
Lisa Cohen Amnon Rodan
Douglas Fish Sharam Sasson
Francine Gani Rosemary Schindler
Taly Katz Tony Siress
   
Jonathan Bernstein - Executive Director  
   


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Testimonials


"It is my joy and duty to support the FIDF, to help the young men and women who defend and preserve our Jewish nation. Without the IDF, Israel wouldn't exist. Israel is the place of my soul, my dreams, and my people. The actions I take as an FIDF supporter; from attending a function, to giving a gift, to encouraging a friend to join us; make a big difference to the IDF soldiers. It seems like such a simple way to play a role in Israel's safety and future."

- Sloane Citron, San Francisco Bay Area Board Chairman

"Without the IDF there would be no Israel!"

- Lisa Cohen, San Francisco Bay Area Board President

"The story of Israel’s Economic Miracle” as described in “Start Up Nation” by Dan Senor could not have happened without the important role of the IDF."

“Battlefield Entrepreneurs” The culture of leadership, risk management, innovations and team work is being taught and practiced from age 18 at the IDF. The role of the IDF provides inspiring insights into what’s behind Israel’s dynamic economy.
This is above and beyond the fundamental role of the military defense forces."

- Ricki Alon, Board Member

"Israel is in very real terms on the front lines of a war against democracy and liberty by a fanatical and determined enemy. It is the men and women of the IDF who bravely protect Israel and by proxy the United States against the same forces that oppose our freedoms and way of life. It is our responsibility as both friends and allies of Israel to support her and the IDF against a ruthless foe bent on eliminating Israel and her people. Through its many programs directly impacting the lives of soldiers and their families, the FIDF provides the perfect vehicle to fulfill this responsibility."

- Ross Dargahi, Board Member

"As a former member of the IDF, I witnessed the impact of a contribution, a new basketball court, on the wellbeing of my platoon. It truly is a way for us here to help those that put their lives on the line. Our financial involvement touches lives and makes a difference that you can experience firsthand. That’s a special and very motivating opportunity."

- Amnon Rodan, San Francisco Bay Area Board Member

"I consider myself privileged to have had the State of Israel all my life, others have not been that fortunate. I feel oblige to contribute to Israel’s well being by doing all that I can."

- Sharam Sasson, Board Member

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