Some 250 people gathered on Wednesday, March 15, at The Conservative Synagogue in Westport for a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) community concert featuring a performance of classical and Israeli music by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Orchestra. The event also featured speeches by active-duty soldiers and FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship recipients, including Staff Sergeant (Res.) Mauricio, Major B., Lieutenant (Res.) Tal, and Captain Daphna.

“We were honored and excited to welcome Israel’s brave men and women in uniform – who are also some of the country’s most talented up-and-coming musicians,” said FIDF Westchester/Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin. “Meeting the remarkable IDF soldiers and FIDF IMPACT! students and hearing the IDF Orchestra perform was a special treat for our supporters.”

The IDF Orchestra brings together some of Israel’s most talented musicians, all of whom are also active-duty soldiers, to play for and support IDF troops stationed across Israel – and to select civilian audiences around the world.

CAP: Dr. Eitan Kilchevsky of Newtown (2nd from right) was among those entertained by IDF Orchestra at the group’s March 15 Westport concert. Pictured with him here are members of the orchestra and IDF Lt. Col. Oren (3rd from right). Photo credit: Nani Tibi.