Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter
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. FIDF also provides support for the families of fallen soldiers.
The Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter of Friends of the IDF was recently founded in February, 2011. It is comprised of Pennsylvania, plus 3 counties in New Jersey including Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties. Although the chapter is new, Philadelphians are no strangers to the wonderful work and support of FIDF. So far this year, our generous supporters have adopted the “Gadsar Golani” Battalion, funded a gym for the Yiftach Brigade of the IDF Northern Gaza Division, refurbished a club in Efraim Regional Brigade, and continue to support IMPACT! students with academic scholarships. We are deeply appreciative of all of our donors who support the wellbeing and educational needs of the brave IDF soldiers.
Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter | 500 Office Center Dr. Suite 400 | Fort Washington, PA 19034
267-513-1875 | Direct: 215-383-2890 | Philadelphia@fidf.org
FIDF Delegation to Poland & Israel: From Holocaust to Independence
To celebrate 65 years of Israeli independence and express our gratitude and support for the soldiers who defend the Jewish homeland, FIDF offers an exclusive delegation that will begin in Poland and end in Israel. This emotional and inspiring journey will include participating in official IDF "Witnesses in Uniform" ceremonies in Poland, marching into Auschwitz with IDF officers, flying from Poland to Israel via an Israeli Air Force (IAF) plane, taking part in IDF military exercises and a celebratory IAF show, marking Israel´s Memorial Day and 65th Independence Day in state ceremonies, meeting soldiers and commanders, hearing first-hand experiences from the frontline, exploring Israel and touring its unique and extraordinary sites, and meeting with Israel’s leaders.
Click here to view the itinerary
Click here to download the application
Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter Upcoming Events
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FIDF and Germantown Jewish Centre present the film, FOLLOW ME: The Yoni Netanyahu Story, starting at 7 PM (running time: 1 hr 30 min). Winner of numerous international film festivals and "Best Documentary' at the 2012 L.A. Jewish Film Festival, this film "consists of two story arcs that tragically and heroically connect.
Click here for more information |
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Winning Raffle Ticket will be announced after 100 Raffles are sold
Raffle tickets are $100. All funds raised will be going to Dignity
Click here for more information |
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Check out our 'How to Plan' Guide, and Programs which support the young men and women who defend the State of Israel and Jews worldwide |
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FIDF's Young Leadership is gaining momentum in the Pennsylvania and Southern NJ region, with a 'Hold the Date' announcement coming soon! From small gatherings to large fund raisers, our young generation of leaders are an integral part of the growth and development of FIDF within the region.
Click here to see photos from past events.
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- Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Event Calendar -
PAST EVENTS
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On October 14th, more than 600 guests filled the 'Vie' for FIDF's 2nd Annual Gala honoring Larry Magid, world-renowned entertainment impressario. Keynote Speaker, Tzvipi Livni, joined Co-Chairs Israel Roizman and Gerry Shreiber, along with dignitaries, IDF soldiers, families of lone soldiers and supporters from throughout the region for a spectacular evening. |
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Also speaking at the Gala was Senator Anthony Williams, who shared a story about his first trip to Israel. Fast forward to 2012 when the Senator introduced Senate Bill 1523. Titled "Holocaust and Genocide Education" it calls for instruction from grades 6 through 12 on the history of Nazi atrocities and an understanding that genocide is a consequence of prejudice and discrimination. |
On Sunday December 2nd, the community participated in an Israeli Krav Maga Training in Cherry Hill. This was a joint fundraiser for FIDF and JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) in Cherry Hill.
On November 21, FIDF was invited to the annual Mitzvah Mall at Kellman Brown Academy. Former Israeli soldier and Kellman alumna, Ariel Grayson, introduced the IDF to preschoolers through 6th graders by telling her personal stories. Each class participated in a number of activities such as making FIDF tzedakah boxes. A Chanukah card was made especially for every child who gave a donation that said, "a donation to the FIDF has been made in your honor." The greatest excitement was when students were standing in line taking pictures while wearing berets and other pieces of Israeli army uniforms. Excitement spread to the teachers when they saw the IDF items and started sharing their experiences while in the Israeli army. For further information about this program for K-6th graders, please contact
philadelphia@fidf.org or
215-383-2890
On October 28, former Lone Soldier David Cohen, and Deputy Israeli Consul General Elad Strohmayer, made a presentation in Elkins Park for Adath Jeshurun Men's Club.
Also on October 28, more than 200 movie-goers attended a screening of the film FOLLOW ME: The Yoni Netanyahu Story, at the Ambler Theatre. SPECIAL THANKS TO SYNAGOGUE SPONSORS: Adath Jeshurun, Beth Or, Or Hadash, OYRT Beth Am, TBI Blue Bell and Temple Sinai.
FIDF Pennsylvania & Southern NJ Chapter is proud to share our 2011-2012 achievements with you
Parlor Meeting hosted by Dr. Zeff & Rosa Lazinger in Philadelphia, September 9, 2012 at Kesher Israel
Guests had an opportunity to hear from two soldiers, one of whom is currently an FIDF IMPACT Scholarship recipient and the other gave first hand accounts of what FIDF means to the soldiers.
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Two Lone Soldiers from Philadelphia area Share their Stories
Evan Saltzman & Arielle Adler, both lone soldiers from the area (Upper Dublin and Langhorne, respectively) shared their stories with the community on August 15th.
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Students from the Politz Day School in Cherry Hill, NJ held a fundraising campaign dedicated to FIDF's DIGNITY Program. Accompanying the students in the photo is Politz teacher, Limor Auslander.
Support Our Soldiers By Securing Your Future: Israel Soldiers Gift Annuity
The survival and future of our homeland is guaranteed because of the brave men and women of the IDF who stand guard to protect it. With an Israel Soldiers Gift Annuity you have the opportunity to create a better future for them while securing a generous xed rate lifetime income for yourself. Click here to find out more
Philadelphia Chapter attends a Shuk event at Adath Israel
The Philadelphia Chapter of FIDF was thrilled to be a part of an Israeli Shuk that took place at Congregation Adath Israel in Merion, PA on June 3rd. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with everyone, and we thank you so much for your interest and for stopping by our table. What a great day!
National NY Gala Dinner Attendee Mickey Shefet, Shares His Thoughts
on the Evening
26 people from the Pennsylvania & Southern NJ region attended the National Gala on
March 13, 2012. Mickey Shefet was one of them. He shares his thoughts from that evening .... Read More
Friends of Israel Defense Forces Reaches Out to Harrisburg
On Tuesday, January 10, Mickey and Vered Shefet opened up their home in Harrisburg to leaders of FIDF – Friends of Israel Defense Forces and experienced a new ‘Mitzvah’ adventure. A group of about 30 local distinguished guests attended the event and showed great interest in supporting the FIDF after they learned about its purpose. Read More
Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter Hosts their 1st Annual Gala with 600 Guests
The Philadelphia-based Chapter of the FIDF held its first Annual Gala on Monday November 14, at the Hyatt at The Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. Honoree and Keynote Speaker was former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Read More
Adopt a Battalion Program - An Unbreakable Bond
When Daniel Farber, currently of Pittsburgh, PA and former lone soldier in Gadsar Golani Battalion, visited Israel for a business trip, he never dreamed that his business associate would turn out to be a former soldier from the same battalion! Business was immediately put on hold while the two comrades shared army experiences. Read More
Keynote Speaker Governor Corbett Delivers Address to Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter Grand Opening Event
It was a true privilege to have Governor Corbett as our guest of honor and keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania & Southern New Jersey Chapter’s Grand Opening Event on May 10th.
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