STAMFORD — Anat Chavkin of Stamford has been appointed director of the Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Connecticut Chapter.

Born in Tel Aviv, Chavkin served as a Lieutenant in the Israeli Air Force from 1997 until 2000. She earned a B.A. in psychology in the University of Connecticut Honors Program, where she was the recipient of several university scholarships, as well as a scholarship from the Center for Judaic Studies.

Actively involved in the Stamford Jewish community, Chavkin has held positions in several area synagogues, as well as at the Stamford Jewish Community Center and at United Jewish Federation (UJF) of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, where she served as director of Women’s Philanthropy and Young Leadership, and as associate vice president.

Of her new role at FIDF, she says, “I was a soldier myself. All 12 of my cousins in Israel served in combat units in the army and I know what sacred work the soldiers do. I was on the receiving end of FIDF’s generosity when I was a soldier and now I am proud to give back.” She believes that creating a philanthropic community makes it possible to unleash resources that can transform Israel and the entire world.

“We are thrilled to have Anat join the FIDF team and she is eager to meet all our dedicated supporters at the many exciting events taking place in our community this year,” says Richard Goldstein, executive director of FIDF Tri-state Region, adding, “Continuing to assist in this effort and strengthening the Westchester/Connecticut team is Marin Schloss, development associate, who has been a driving force in the chapter’s efforts.”

Chavkin resides in Stamford with her husband Marc and their three children, Coby, Racheli and Avigayil.