By COLlive reporter
Photos: Bentzi Sasson
400 New Yorkers gathered on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Capitale for the Belev Echad Gala Dinner to honor 11 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and veterans who were wounded in Operation Protective Edge and terrorist attacks.
The gala was part of a 10-day tour of New York City for the wounded warriors organized by Belev Echad, which was founded by Rabbi Uriel Vigler and a host of supporters from the New York area, and is under the auspices of Chabad Israel Center of the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
Belev Echad aims to show the Jewish people’s gratitude to IDF veterans for putting their lives on the line to protect and defend the Jewish people in Israel.
During their visit to New York, the Israeli veterans saw New York landmarks including Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, visited the 9/11 Memorial, and got an aerial view of the city from the seats of private Cessna aircraft.
“These brave IDF soldiers have risked – and nearly lost – their lives to protect the people and the sacred land of Israel,” said Rabbi Vigler. “The New York community is immensely grateful for the commitment and sacrifices they have made. It has been my pleasure to introduce these heroes to our supporters, and to help them realize just how much we appreciate their service.”
The gala, chaired by Gabriel Plotkin and Yaara Bank-Plotkin, also honored Jonathan and Jennifer Harris and Eli and Yael Weiss for their leadership in supporting Israel and its brave soldiers. Rabbi Bentzion Krasnianski, director of Chabad of the Upper East Side, gave the Dvar Torah.
“Belev Echad is an incredible project because it deepens the bonds between the American Jewish community and Israelis – living in Israel and here in the U.S. – through their support for wounded IDF soldiers,” said Shimon Shkury, a Belev Echad supporter and founder and president of Ariel Property Advisors.
“As an Israeli American, I feel that it is our responsibility to strengthen our ties with Israel and to support the Jewish homeland in any way we can. There is no better way to support Israel than by investing in the well-being of its soldiers and veterans.”
VIDEO:
Thank you for protecting the Jewish people. Real heroes!
Where can u buy it???
Looks amazing!