More than 1,300 young professionals from the New York area gathered last Saturday night, Dec. 1, at Metropolitan Pavilion for the red-carpet Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Young Leadership New York (YL-NY) Division 70th Birthday Gala for Israel, raising more than $500,000 for the well-being of the IDF soldiers.
The gala, co-chaired by YL-NY Board Members Noushka Green, Talia Hermesh and Amanda Paul, featured gourmet food, an open bar, casino-style games, and luxury prizes, including high-end jewelry, artwork, and spa getaways.
“Throughout the year we have the incredible opportunity to meet dozens of soldiers from the IDF, each one a hero,” said YL-NY President Alex Berman. “And whenever we do so, we want it to be a reminder to them that they have friends, family and supporters across the globe. What better example of that and what better show of strength than 1,300 young professionals coming together to celebrate, honor and support our brothers and sisters in the IDF?”
Other distinguished guests included Danielle Bernstein, creator of the fashion blog We Wore What; FIDF YL-NY Board Vice President Ali Faivus; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; and FIDF Tri-State Young Leadership Development Associate Cara Chernin.