Event Raises Funds for Bereaved Families,
Lone Soldiers and Soldiers in Need
(L to R) Anat Chavkin, FIDF Director of Westchester and CT; Valerie Mirels and Nancy Zaro, Westchester Board Members; Lt. Jessica; Wendy Moskowitz, FIDF National and Westchester Board Member; Franne Weinberg, Women’s Brigade Board Member; Ellen Weintraub, Westchester Board Member; Galit Brichta, FIDF VP of the Northeast Region.
More than 250 powerful female FIDF supporters came together for a meaningful afternoonon June 2, in honor of Israel’s soldiers at the New York Tri-State Women’s Brigade Luncheon at the 583 Park Avenue event space. Guests were fortunate to hear from “The Mother of Israel” Miriam Peretz, Israel prize winner for Lifetime Achievement, Israeli presidential candidate and national heroine, who shared her story of tragedy and sacrifice in the face of ultimate loss.
The members of the Tri-State Women’s Brigade are among the millennia of women who pour their strength and love into growing a vibrant, safe and thriving Jewish future. The group designates their female-earned dollars to worthwhile projects and initiatives. The top priority for the group this year is to collectively finance a retreat for 200 family members of fallen soldiers. It will give them an opportunity to bond, heal and move forward with their lives. The group is also focused on raising funds for Lone Soldiers and other soldiers in need.
“Every day the IDF soldiers protect our Jewish homeland for its citizens as well as all of us in the diaspora,” said Tri-State Women’s Brigade Chairwoman Shari Yardeni. “I’m proud to be part of the FIDF community that is dedicated to supporting them.”
Miriam Peretz also understands too well the harsh reality of what is at stake for Israel’s soldiers. In her keynote speech, she detailed how she rose from the pain of losing her two sons during their service, to a place of thanks, optimism, and hope in their honor. She chose to live a life with meaning, and her passion for peace, and love for the people of Israel, continues to influence audiences worldwide.
“My children have fallen so that YOU can live peacefully, knowing that you will always have a home,” said Peretz. “As supporters of the FIDF, you deserve to feel proud of the opportunities you have given to the young men and women of the IDF who are the future of Israel and the Jewish people.
An active-duty soldier, Lieutenant Jessica addressed the crowd about her experience in service and challenges faced as a female commander.
Co-chairs of the event were Hayley Foster, Victoria Sakhai and Aimee Stoopler.