Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Virginia Chapter joined with Strelitz International Academy (SIA) to create Hanukkah cards for soldiers in the IDF’s main infantry Brigade, the Nachal.
Three years ago, the FIDF Virginia Chapter adopted the Nachal Unit through FIDF’s Adopt-a-Battalion program, giving supporters the opportunity to support premier battalions and offer soldiers assistance for all of their immediate needs.
As an International Baccalaureate Candidate School, SIA strives to provide opportunities for their students to make global connections. Prior to starting the project, the fifth graders met virtually with an FIDF representative to ask questions and learn about the IDF and Israeli culture.
Shai, a Lone Soldier serving in the Nachal Brigade, made a video thanking the SIA students and reminiscing over the days when he was in day school and made cards for the IDF soldiers, himself.
Israel’s Lone Soldiers are young men and women who leave their families and countries of origin to serve in the IDF. Lone Soldiers have no immediate family in Israel. FIDF’s Lone Soldier program serves as the go-to support organization for Lone Soldiers and families.
“I thought it was a very good project because we got to see the soldiers smile, especially during quarantine when they could not be with family,” says an SIA student. All of the fifth graders had similar sentiments about the project, showing their dedication to tikkun olam, one of SIA’s core values.
For more information about FIDF, visit fidf.org or contact Jasmine Amitay at jasmine.amitay@fidf.org.
– Jasmine Amitay