IDF combat medic tells her story at Israel Bonds dinner
More than 150 young professionals and supporters met at Manhattan’s Jewish Museum for an evening centered on support for Israel at a Shabbat dinner hosted by Israel Bonds New Leadership and the La’Aretz Foundation.
The speaker, Staff Sergeant S., was the only young woman in her IDF unit serving in Gaza as a field paramedic. While she was deployed, two anti-tank missiles struck her family’s home, killing her grandmother and her uncle.
The La’Aretz Foundation — an organization dedicated to helping Israeli families in need rebuild their lives through direct support — helped Staff Sergeant S. and her family as they grieved.
Guests at the dinner included Israel Bonds National New Leadership director Micah Cohen of northern New Jersey, Israel Bonds National and International board chair Dr. Andrew M. Hutter of Livingston, Israel Bonds National New Leadership chair Erez Kahan, Israel Bonds New York’s New Leadership regional chair Perri Korine, and former Israel Bonds National New Leadership co-chair Albert Babayev.
“I didn’t come here tonight to tell you a tragic story,” Staff Sergeant S. said. “I came here tonight to talk about young leadership in times of war, about my generation, the young Israelis who are fighting and sacrificing everything for our country because we know we are the future of Israel.”
The evening also marked a milestone year for Israel Bonds as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Dr. Andrew Hutter talked about the importance of communal engagement amid rising antisemitism around the world. “Events like this remind us that our greatest strength is our unity,” he said. As antisemitism continues to rise around the globe, it is more important than ever for our community to come together, support one another, and stand proudly with Israel.”