1,000 GATHER IN LA TO REMEMBER FALLEN ISRAELI SOLDIERS AHEAD OF ISRAEL’S 70TH

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7 years ago

1,000 GATHER IN LA TO REMEMBER FALLEN ISRAELI SOLDIERS AHEAD OF ISRAEL’S 70TH

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), Temple of the Arts and the Israeli Consulate General commemorated ‘Yom Hazikaron’ for fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 20 – Some 1,000 members of the Los Angeles community gathered Wednesday night in the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre to commemorate “Yom Hazikaron,” Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Hosting the community-wide night of remembrance, ahead of Israel’s 70th Independence Day, were Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), the Temple of the Arts, and the Consulate General of Israel.

“Over the last 70 years, we have faced countless challenges threatening our existence as an independent sovereign country,” said Consul General of Israel to the Southwest United States Sam Grundwerg. “In the face of current threats stands the Israel Defense Forces and the resilient nature of the Israeli people. Their courage and spirit guarantees the security and the continuity of our nation. We bow our heads because we know that Israel is here because of them.”

More than 50 local schools, synagogues, and organizations partnered for this “Yom Hazikaron” community event. The ceremony honored the memories of Israel’s fallen heroes and paid tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who defend Israel and Jews around the world.

“As we prepare to celebrate 70 years of a strong and independent Israel, we must acknowledge that we are able to do so because of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women of the IDF,” said FIDF National Board Member and Western Region President Tony Rubin. “Seven decades later, these heroes must continue to fight for the survival of the Jewish state. We are forever in their debt.”

IDF Sgt. Yaniv led the community in praying for the safety of those in Israel and the men and women, his brothers and sisters, of the IDF, and mourned the 26,780 fallen soldiers and victims of terror by reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish.

Other distinguished guests included Consul General of Israel to the Southwest United States Sam Grundwerg; LA Councilman David Ryu; FIDF Western Region President Tony Rubinand his wife, Linda; TOTA President James Blatt; and FIDF Western Region Executive Director Jenna Griffin.

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters, and 20 chapters throughout the United States and Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the state of Israel. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org.