On Sunday, July 18, the Israeli Leadership Council (ILC) and Friends of the IDF (FIDF) hosted a farewell party for members of Garin Tzabar, a program that provides assistance and transitional support to American men and women who have chosen to join the Israeli army. This year, 260 Americans will be volunteering in the IDF through the program, run by the Friends of Israel Scouts, Inc – Tzofim. 56 youth hailing from Los Angeles are preparing to leave their homes this summer to become “lone soldiers.”
The sendoff was hosted by ILC Co-Chairs Eli and Dafna Tene and guests included the families of the courageous soldiers to-be, ILC Honorary Board Members Leo and Ruth David, and Orit Mofaz, wife of former IDF Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense, Shaul Mofaz.
At the event, ILC Executive Director Shoham Nicolet presented an award to ILC member Tania Goldreich Zu-Arets for leading the pioneering establishment of Shevet Harel -- the first Tzofim Shevet in West Los Angeles. Tania is returning to Israel after living 14 years in Los Angeles.
The festive evening concluded with a lively performance by the Tzofim Friendship Caravan, a troupe of Israeli teenage Scouts who tour North America, showcasing Israeli culture through song, dance and interactive activities.
The ILC salutes the members of Garin Tzabar and their families for their dedication and contribution to the State of Israel. We are very proud of you and wish you the best of luck in this exciting endeavor.
We thank ILC Co-Chairs Eli and Dafna Tene for hosting the farewell party. Thank you to Miri Nash and her dedicated FIDF’s team for their ongoing care for our soldiers. Special thanks to Caravan Degania and the Israeli Scouts for bringing Israel to Los Angeles.