I.L.Care was proud to be a major sponsor of the Friends of Israel Scouts Tzofim event “Am Echad: A Salute to the Future of Israel,” which took place on June 19, 2011 at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. This was the scouts’ their final event of the year as they congratulated and said farewell to the culminating counselors of the Tzofim and recognized those who are joining the Israeli Defense Forces through Garin Tzabar. This summer, 32 volunteers from Los Angeles will be joining the IDF, five from Israel Scouts Shevet Chen. Garin Tzabar is a program that provides assistance and transitional support to young Americans who have chosen to join the IDF. One participant from Shevet Harel will be joining Shnat Shirut in Israel.
Yehuda Setton, the Southwest Regional Director Friends of Israel Scouts recognized the program directors of the Tzofim groups Aviv Saad of Shevet Chen in the San Fernando Valley, Dana Elkis of Shevet Harel in the city, and Yael of Shevet Tapuz of Orange County for their dedication to the Tzofim and the impact they have had on the participants. Orit Mofaz, the Board Member of Israel Scouts and Chairperson of Svha Scouts also addressed the audience and spoke of the important bond between the Diaspora Israelis and Israel.
Eli Tene, co-chair of the ILC, introduced the audience to the ILC’s newest project, I.L.Care: The Israeli American Giving Community. Tene encouraged the audience to begin volunteering and giving back to the community, quoting Anne Frank’s resounding words, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” The mission of I.L.Care is to create a united and engaged Israeli-American and Jewish- American volunteer community through a membership-based social volunteer network for all ages.
The evening also recognized Jacob Dayan and his wife Galit Dayan, the outgoing Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles. Galit accepted the award on behalf of herself and Jacob, who was away on affairs in Israel. Galit spoke of the impact the experience of serving in Israel in Los Angeles had on herself and her husband, and expressed that they will always maintain a connection to the Los Angeles community.
The highlight of the evening was a very special performance by the Tzofim Friendship Caravan that was inspirational and moving.
The Friendship Caravan consists of a group of 10 Israelis in their late teens who travel throughout the North American as emissaries and share their lives in Israel through song, dance and story. They bring Israeli culture and spirit with every performance they give and bring the audience closer to Israel.
The ILC believes in the mission of the Israel Scouts and will continue to sponsor the Tzofim and their important work for our community.