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Security forces kill terrorists who murdered Dee sisters, mother

RachelG — Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:16 +0000

Security forces on Thursday eliminated the Palestinian terrorists who last month murdered three members of the Dee family in the Jordan Valley.

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Lucy Dee, 48, and daughters Maia, 20, and Rina, 15, were murdered in an April 7 shooting on the Route 57 highway near the Hamra Junction.

The terrorists, identified as Hamas members Hassan Katnani and Muad Masri, were killed in an exchange of fire after Israeli forces surrounded their hideout in the city's Kasbah district. The Israeli troops fired a missile at the building in order to flush the terrorists out into the open, according to Israeli media reports.

Ibrahim Hura, identified by the IDF as a collaborator with the Hamas terrorists, was also killed in the raid, according to the Israeli military. Two automatic rifles were found in the terrorists' hideout.

"The security forces will continue to act with determination to thwart any terrorist threat directed against civilians and IDF soldiers," said the military in a statement.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commended the security forces for neutralizing the terrorists, adding: "Just as I promised Leo Dee, Israel's defense establishment will reach any terrorist that harms our citizens."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu too praised the security forces and tweeted, "our message to those who harm us, and those who want to harm us, is that whether it takes a day, a week or a month – you can be certain that we will settle accounts with you. It does not matter where you try to hide – we will find you. Whoever attacks us will pay the price."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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78 future lone soldiers arrive in Israel on Nefesh B'Nefesh flights

Avi Goldsiten — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 05:45:41 +0000

Two group aliyah flights, arriving this week, will have 78 future lone soldiers on board, who are volunteering to serve in the IDF without immediate family living in Israel. The group will join 3,500 lone soldiers from around the world under the Nefesh B'Nefesh-Friends of the IDF Lone Soldiers Program.

This program, with the full support of the military, offers guidance, support, and care for all immigrants in the program during each stage of their service, after their release from the army, and during the adjustment stages to civilian life.

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More than 30M dollars raised in annual Friends of the IDF gala

ErezL — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 06:59:09 +0000

More than 1,200 business leaders and philanthropists from across the United States saluted the Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday during the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National Gala Dinner in New York, raising a record $37 million to support various programs for Israeli troops.

The FIDF National Gala, under the theme 'A Night of Heroes,' took place at the New York Hilton Midtown and featured active-duty IDF soldiers and other special guests.

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A delegation of 20 IDF troops attended the gala, including soldiers who volunteered to serve Israel proudly despite not being required to do so due to their backgrounds and special circumstances.

Among them were Cpl. Sofie, a Danish lone soldier who was raised as a Christian, though her Jewish father served in the IDF. She is one of the few women to serve as an F-35 jet mechanic in the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

Other soldiers included Lt. A., a lone soldier from east Jerusalem whose decision to join the IDF, which he viewed as his patriotic duty, cost him his family, friends, and home.

He got a standing ovation when he spoke about his decision to become one of the only Palestinians to join the IDF. "During the Second Lebanon War, when Hezbollah's rockets hit both Jews and Arabs, I made the decision to join a combat unit," he said. "My father kicked me out of the house and my entire life was turned upside down, but I am proud of my decision and I have no regrets," he continued.

Distinguished guests included Social Equality Minister MK Gila Gamliel; Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Amb. Danny Danon; Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan; Israel Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox; FIDF Chairman Rabbi Peter Weintraub; FIDF President Bobby Cohen and FIDF Chairman Emeritus Arthur Stark; FIDF Chairman Emeritus Dr. Nily Falic; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; and internationally acclaimed TV journalist Michelle Makori, who served as master of ceremonies.

"The brave men and women who wear IDF uniform passionately protect not only the Jewish homeland but Jews all over the world," Klifi-Amir told Israel Hayom. "Thanks to the 139 million dollars we have raised over the past year, we have managed to transform the lives of 105,000 Israeli troops," he continued.

According to Klifi-Amir, "the IDF is an extraordinary force of good. Guided by its official ethical code, which holds human life above all else, Israel's soldiers are true global heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty: They save lives, tend to the needy, care for the wounded, and help whomever is in crisis. They are the faces of the diverse Israeli nation, and as Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion once said, the IDF is the melting pot of the Israeli society."

IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi sent a video message that was played at the event, speaking on the various challenges facing the military.

Funds raised at the gala will be used as academic scholarships for combat veterans, financial assistance for soldiers in-need, support for lone soldiers throughout their service and upon release, crucial aid for wounded veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, weeks of rest and recuperation for entire IDF units, as well as educational, cultural, and recreational facilities.

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Friends of the IDF donate $60,000 to rebuild synagogue destroyed by Hamas rocket

YafitO — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:35:00 +0000

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters Fred and Jeannette Bogart of Boca Raton, Fla. and New York donated $60,000 to rebuild the synagogue on the Israel Defense Forces' Kissufim Base, home to the 414th Nesher Field Intelligence Battalion and a rotation of infantry units.

The synagogue, along with a Torah scroll used by IDF soldiers, was destroyed by a Hamas rocket in early May in a barrage of rocket fire into Israel that caused the deaths of four civilians.

Following the attack, FIDF launched a campaign on May 29 to raise $60,000 to rebuild the synagogue and an additional $43,000 to dedicate a new Torah scroll. Upon hearing of the campaign, the Bogarts donated the full amount needed to repair the synagogue.

The synagogue is scheduled to be rebuilt by September, according to FIDF.

"We feel privileged to be able to contribute to the wonderful efforts of Friends of the IDF in supporting the brave men and women of the IDF," said Fred Bogart. "These soldiers risk their lives to defend the Jewish homeland on the Gaza border, so helping to restore this place of spirituality is an honor for us."

A plaque will be placed in the synagogue, honoring the Bogarts' donation. They will be invited to the synagogue's reopening and have an opportunity to meet the soldiers and commanders on the base.

FIDF is still looking for $43,000 to replace the Torah scroll donated in memory of Holocaust survivors, which was also destroyed by the Hamas rocket attack.

"The soldiers of the Kissufim Base work along the dangerous Gaza border to ensure the safety of the state of Israel," said Susan Levin-Abir, executive director of the FIDF Palm Beach/Broward in South Florida. "Rebuilding the synagogue will raise the morale of the soldiers, and return a center for prayer, celebration and spirituality that was lost."

This article was reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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