Michigan leaders raise $700,000 at FIDF benefit

More than 700 prominent community leaders and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters from across Michigan gathered on Tuesday, October 29, at the FIDF Michigan Annual Dinner at Congregation Shaarey Zedek for “A Night of Heroes,” connecting with Israel’s brave men and women in uniform. The FIDF gala raised $700,000 for the organization’s well-being and educational programs for Israeli soldiers.

Chemi J. Peres, chairman of the board of directors of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, co-founder and managing general partner of Pitango Venture Capital, and son of the late Israeli President Shimon Peres, delivered the gala’s keynote.

The event also honored long-time FIDF supporters Karolyn and Arie Leibovitz. The Leibovitzs have granted over 40 combat veterans with post-service college scholarships through FIDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program.

Co-chairing the dinner were FIDF Michigan Chairman Alon and Shari Kaufman, and FIDF Michigan President Gary and Lisa Shiffman. Honorary co-chairs of the event were Cyndi and Anthony Leibovitz, Barak Leibovitz, Jay Byron Leibovitz, Rachel and Scott Leibovitz.

Also attending the gala were Sophie Klisman and Doug Harvey. Klisman, of Commerce Township, is a Holocaust survivor who was imprisoned along with her sister in the Salzwedel concentration camp during World War II. Harvey, then a US Army infantryman, helped liberate the camp in 1945. The two finally reunited after Klisman participated in an FIDF mission to Poland and Israel this past spring.

A delegation of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers travelled from Israel for the event. They included Maj. Matan, now a doctor in a prestigious IDF commando unit, who shared his family’s story of perseverance – from the horrors of the Holocaust to his brave service as an Israeli soldier today; and Sgt. L., a commander in an elite IDF unit, and a Lone Soldier – one who voluntarily enlists in the IDF without having immediate family in Israel – originally from Sitka, Alaska.

Distinguished guests at the gala also included FIDF Midwest Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim and FIDF Michigan Chapter Director Paula Lebowitz. Michelle Divon, a noted TV journalist, emceed the event.

“The event was a great success. Each year it gives our supporters the chance to hear directly from the brave men and women who protect Israel, and Jews worldwide,” said Alon Kaufman. “This year, it was our great pleasure to honor Karolyn and Arie Leibovitz, valued members of our community who are deeply committed to Israel and its soldiers.”