More than 900 supporters gathered at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich on Nov. 10 for the “2024 FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Evening of Solidarity Dinner” to help raise funds for the Israel Defense Forces during its greatest time of need.
The sold-out event, organized by Friends of the IDF, was a powerful demonstration of support for the men and women on the frontlines as they battle terrorism; protect Israel’s security; and work to bring home hostages following the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Event co-chairs Cindy and David Eigen, and Lisa and Todd Kantor helped orchestrate the inspiring evening, which brought together local leaders, philanthropists and community members in a united effort to support IDF soldiers and their humanitarian needs.
Guests heard from active-duty combat IDF soldiers who shared firsthand experiences of their service and the impact of FIDF’s vital work on the frontlines. Among them were: Sgt. S, an intelligence officer from the Druze city of Maghar; Maj. R, Deputy Commander of the legendary Israeli Air Force Squadron 124; Lt. Y from the IDF Education Corps; and Capt. O from Haifa, who served in the IDF for nearly eight years and now leads operations for Israel’s Zik Drone Unit.
Sgt. A, from Stamford, Conn., who serves in the Foreign Relations Unit at the Allenby crossing, spoke movingly about how FIDF has directly supported her service.
“I chose to enlist because Israel is where I belong, and I felt a duty to protect our people and our land,” she said. “In my role, I help monitor our border and work closely with Jordanian forces to strengthen regional ties. During Rosh Hashanah, I was honored with the Award of Excellence from my battalion commander.”
She continued: “Seeing FIDF’s support in this community and now experiencing it as a soldier, I feel its impact every day. From the state-of-the-art gym they built on my base, to the washing machine and dryer I use for laundry, to the ambulance they donated, which has been first on the scene at many terror attacks, FIDF transforms the soldier experience—this is a real unit.”
The evening’s main guest was former Hamas hostage Andrey Kozlov, who was freed from Hamas captivity in June after eight months, along with three other hostages, in an Israeli special rescue operation.
“It’s nearly impossible to describe the fear every hostage felt on Oct. 7 and during the months that followed. That day was the most extreme and terrifying of my life,” he said. “The months that followed were the worst I have ever known, always wondering, ‘Which day will I come back? Will I ever come back?’ ”
“I felt defenseless, angry, weak, and utterly hopeless. But somehow, I made it through. I’m forever grateful to the brave and heroic Arnon Zmora and his incredible family. May every hostage soon be free. … Bring them home now!” he concluded.
Keynote speaker Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provided a sobering analysis of the broader security threats facing Israel, particularly the role of Iran and its terrorist proxies in the region.
Event VIPs included Morey Levovitz, FIDF national chairman of the board; Galit Brichta, FIDF vice president, Northeast Region; Anat Chavkin, FIDF executive director of Westchester/Connecticut; and Rebecca Grossman, FIDF senior development associate.
Also in attendance were Capt. Yuval Offir, operational leader of the IDF Space Division; Maj. Asaf Eyal-Gabel, IDF Space Engineer; and Lt. Col. Maor Cohen of the Israeli Navy.
