On April 17, there was a solemn and thoughtful tribute to the tens of thousands of fallen Israeli soldiers and terror victims lost in the continuing struggle for existence. The next day, April 18, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of Israel’s miraculous founding as the only independent Jewish state. These expressions of our thoughts and prayers, and showing of respect and gratitude, to those who have served and those who have fallen for us, and our celebration of the continued existence of Israel, are the least we can do to show solidarity with the Jewish State of Israel, which all Jews are connected to. As we were reminded that Israel’s very existence has been paid for every day since its founding with the sacrifice of all the young Israeli soldiers and their families who have put their lives on hold and their lives and bodies in harm’s way for the whole Jewish people, we should do something tangible for the current group of 18-21 year-olds who need our help and comfort.
Fortunately, our community will soon have a great opportunity to reach out to Israeli soldiers, their families, and their survivors in a tangible way. Please attend the Celebration of Israel’s 70th Anniversary with Peter Weintraub, FIDF national president, Captain Amir Gutman, Israeli Naval Attaché to the USA and IDF soldiers. This is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF), whose motto is “Their job is to look after Israel. Our job is to look after them.” This is a great organization that does a lot for the physical, spiritual, medical, cultural, and financial needs of Israeli soldiers, including lone soldier programs for young men and women from our own community. The event is on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. at Kehilath Israel. Pre-registration and donations would be appreciated. For more information visit https://www.fidf.org/events/kansas-city-tribute-israels-soldiers
