1,000 young professionals rally in NYC for Israel’s defenders
More than a thousand young professionals gathered last week at Pier Sixty in Manhattan for the 2025 Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Young Leadership Gala. The evening united the community to honor IDF soldiers, spotlight heroism, and draw attention to the rising humanitarian needs facing the young men and women on Israel’s front lines.
The sold-out evening showcased the impact of the FIDF’s life-changing programs, especially in the aftermath of one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s history. The message was that as IDF soldiers stand on Israel’s frontlines, the FIDF stands behind them.
Since October 7, IDF soldiers, reservists, and their families have endured physical, emotional, and financial strain. The evening aimed to raise awareness and support for FIDF’s mission to provide mental-health support, medical care, trauma recovery programs, financial relief for reservists, support for wounded soldiers, educational scholarships, and assistance for bereaved families.
Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan spoke about how soldiers’ needs are intensifying and about the role of young leadership, noting that today’s young professionals are not just supporters, but peers to the soldiers on Israel’s front lines — and the future stewards of FIDF’s mission.
“As they fight the war of our generation, the organization the IDF turns to in the U.S. to meet their soldiers’ growing humanitarian needs is us — Friends of the IDF,” gala co-chair Hunter Janoff said. “We are the force behind the forces. Our mission is now, and we are here for good.”
Because sponsors donated tickets, nearly 50 former IDF soldiers and reservists attended as honored guests. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting the brave men and women of the IDF who risk everything to protect the State of Israel and the Jewish people. For more information, go to www.fidf.org.