Connecticut Board Member, Marvin Schildkraut, and his son, Ely, on a military base in Central Israel.
Photo Credit: Peter Halmagyi Photography

Marvin Schildkraut of Stamford was among a group of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters who embarked on a seven-day FIDF National Leadership Mission to Israel in early November.  Schildkraut is a Board member of FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Chapter.

The Leadership Mission, led by FIDF National Chairman Nily Falic, National President Julian Josephson, and National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, brought national and local community leaders from FIDF’s chapters across the U.S. together to show their solidarity with the men and women of the IDF. Mission participants met with soldiers and commanders on various military bases across Israel, including the Gaza Division’s headquarters of Re’im, the Regional Division 36 on the Golan Heights, and the Tel-Nof Air Force base, participated in briefings by officers of both the Southern Command and Northern Command of the IDF.

Mission participants had the opportunity to meet with several top-level government and IDF officials, including President Shimon Peres and Head of Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, and others.

“The Friends of the IDF delegation which has embarked on this important journey to Israel signifies the deeply rooted connection between the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the brave soldiers who serve to protect it,” said FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon.