Defend Israel Now FundRaiser

The soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are recognized as some of the finest fighters in the world. Their courage, skill, drive, and abilities are held in high esteem. Furthermore, they are the most moral fighting force in history.

But even the best fighters in the world can only perform at their peak when they are properly equipped. When Israel was suddenly forced to call up over 300,000 reservists on October 7, there was only sufficient equipment for a small fraction of those men and women. Most had weapons, but things like proper helmets, bullet-proof vests, hearing protection, cold weather gear, and so forth were in short supply. One lone soldier has told of being sent into battle wearing a vest from the Yom Kippur War – missing the plates.

The Alevy Foundation has stepped in to help fill these needs. They have already provided a great deal of money to purchase IDF-approved equipment that is currently being utilized by the front-line soldiers in Gaza and on the Northern Front. Now they have agreed to match any amounts donated for this purpose up to an amazing $10,000,000.

Please join us for a fundraiser co-hosted by Bullets & Bagels and the Alevy Foundation on February 29 at 7:00 pm at the Alpert JCC in Long Beach to hear about the current situation in Israel, the war taking place in Gaza, and the mushrooming plague of anti-Semitism in this country. All funds raised will be matched, and 100% will go toward equipping our troops in the IDF.   

Dessert & beverages will be served. (K)

Special Guest Speaker IDF Soldier Sammy Ben

Sammy Ben was on vacation in Israel when the war broke out. He had served in the IDF as a lone soldier back in 2011–12. But on Simchat Torah, as he sat in synagogue and heard the terrible news, Sammy realized the country needed him once again, so he immediately stepped up and volunteered.  

He called an old friend, an officer in the IDF, and talked his way back into service. Sammy just showed up, put on a uniform, and went into the combat zone. In fact, for the first two weeks, he was not even listed in the IDF system as being an active soldier.  Early in the conflict, he served in Judea and Samaria. Then he was able to rejoin his original unit, the Paratroopers, in Gaza. Sammy is scheduled to return to service in May. 

It is our good fortune that, in the interim, he will join us to share his experiences and thoughts about October 7, the war that has followed and the benefits he and his fellow soldiers derived from the Alevy Foundation's efforts.

Two other IDF soldiers, Doron Skortov and Hendy Boukris, will be present as our honored guests.