Gallant speaks at Chicago event in support of college scholarships for IDF combat vets

(Aug. 29, 2023 / JNS)

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant was among the 150-plus guests gathered at the Chicago home of a Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporter on Sunday night to raise funds for FIDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program, which has provided four-year college scholarships to more than 20,000 combat and combat support veterans from low socio-economic backgrounds since 2002.

A former FIDF board member and part of the group that founded the program back in 2002, Gallant addressed the war on terror in Israel.

“Over the past weeks, we have experienced a wave of terror attacks in Israel and the murder of innocent civilians by Palestinian terrorists. And while facing complex challenges, we know that our bond with the United States is a pillar of Israel’s security. As Minister of Defense, I have set a clear directive, placing the ties between the United States and Israel, above all.”

He added: “I will do everything in my power to defend the State of Israel, to protect the IDF and its commanders, and to unite our society.”

Also in attendance were Izzy Levy and Al Frank, co-founders of IMPACT!; Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, secretary to the defense minister; Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, IDF attaché to the United States; Orna Pesach, executive director of IMPACT!; and Shuki Peretz, Doron Lavy and Dr. Dor Gilboa, three graduates of the scholarship program.

From left: Al Frank, Shuki Peretz, Doron Lavy, Dr. Dor Gilboa, Orna Pesach, Izzy Levy, Minister Yoav Galant, Major General Hidai Zilberman, Hezi Levi, Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano at an event in Chicago to raise funds for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), on Aug. 27, 2023. Photo by Bonnie Robinson.

You have read 3 articles this month.

Already registered? Log in for full access

About & contact The Publisher

Friends of the IDF

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors under the leadership of the late John Klein to provide for the education and well-being of the men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as well as the families of fallen soldiers. Headquartered in New York City, FIDF is a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation that operates 15 regional offices in the United States and Panama. The strength of the IDF, which has been guarding the State of Israel since it declared independence in 1948, derives from the selfless determination and great capabilities of the young men and women who form it. Those who serve commit to uphold the difficult tasks of defending Israel’s borders and guaranteeing the safety of its people.

Publish your organization's press release on JNS Wire

Releases published on the JNS Wire are communicated and paid for by third parties. Jewish News Syndicate, and any of its distribution partners, take zero responsibility for the accuracy of any content published in any press release. All the statements, opinions, figures in text or multimedia including photos or videos included in each release are presented solely by the sponsoring organization, and in no way reflect the views or recommendation of Jewish News Syndicate or any of its partners. If you believe any of the content in a release published on JNS Wire is offensive or abusive, please report a release.

Republish this article in your newspaper or website

Comments

Gallant speaks at Chicago event in support of college scholarships for IDF combat vets

The Israeli Minister of Defense also addressed the war in terror.

Register for Full Website Access

Stay connected to the latest updates from Israel and the Jewish world. Register to receive full access to the JNS website and newsletter