By Limor Glazer Schwam
A shaker, a little Woodford Reserve, homemade shrub, a few other items along with friends, new and old, was all it took for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Virginia Chapter Richmond Women’s Brigade inaugural event to be a huge success.
Over 45 Women
Over 45 women came together in support of Israel’s Lone Soldier program. Fun, laughter and camaraderie was experience by all who attended over zoom.
The FIDF Richmond Women’s Brigade is spearheaded by Limor Glazer Schwam and Melissa Berkowitz Krumbein. Along with many others in the community, they both recognized the need for awareness of the IDF Lone Soldiers and the support needed.
Ross Pressner, Krumbein’s son, is currently serving in the IDF. All 3 of Amy Ackman Goel’s children have served in the IDF. Ross, along with Shai Goel and Evan Goel, each gave a presentation of what the support of Lone Soldiers meant to them during the time of their serving in the IDF. This reiterated the need for our community to rally and support such an important cause.
Mission of FIDF
The mission of the FIDF is “To offer educational, cultural, recreational, and social services programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide.”
Established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust Survivors. FIDF is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation that operates 20 regional offices in the United States with headquarters in New York City.
Within each of FIDF’s six core pillars are our life-changing programs that sustain IDF soldiers, veterans, and their families while building a stronger tomorrow.
- FIDF’s Education programs touch on the full spectrum of needs for soldiers from diverse backgrounds. We give soldiers the tools to reach their full potential, leading them to better academic and professional possibilities.
- Lone Soldiers are away from home and family but FIDF is by their side every day. FIDF provides Lone Soldier with housing, mentoring, a 24-hour call center, financial grants, flights to visit their families abroad, Shabbat meals, holiday gift packages, social gatherings, and so much more.
- FIDF’s Financial relief aims to build the best conditions for success and help soldiers from low socioeconomic backgrounds build a brighter future.
- Whether physical or psychological wounds, FIDF assists the wounded with their recovery process every step of the way, strengthening their mental and physical capabilities and providing them with the support that they need to find happiness.
- FIDF’s Adopt a Unit supports over 25,000 IDF combat soldiers each year. We demonstrate to these deserving men and women that we appreciate their sacrifice and look out for them, the way they look out for Israel.
- FIDF’s construction projects include recreation and sports centers, cultural and educational facilities, synagogues, memorial rooms, auditoriums, and soldiers’ homes.
For more information and to learn how you can become part of the FIDF community, please contact Jasmine Amitay at jasmine.amitay@fidf.com.