Cherry Hill, N.J., May 7 — Members of the Southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania Jewish communities will gather May 15 at Congregation Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill for a special joint event with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). The event will pay tribute to local young men and women who serve as
Lone Soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – those who serve without the support system of an immediate family in Israel.
The event, titled “Torah, Morality, and the IDF,” will not only honor those Southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania natives who enlist in the IDF, but also their parents, who selflessly support them through their challenging service. The Lone Soldiers and their families will receive a gift during the ceremony as a token of appreciation for their heroism.
During the event, IDF General (Res.) Benzi Gruber will discuss how the Torah – the first five books of the Old Testament – serves as the IDF’s moral code. The event will also celebrate Congregation Sons of Israel’s donation of two Torah scrolls to soldiers on IDF army bases.
“Despite international criticism, it is a fact that the IDF is the most moral military on the planet. The foundation of morality in the IDF is the Torah,” said Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, of Congregation Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill. “This event promises to provide our community an exceptional evening celebrating Lone Soldiers and the IDF.”
“This event will give the community a chance to personally thank the brave soldiers who risk their lives to protect and defend Israel and the world,” said FIDF Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey Director Tzvia Wexler. “We salute the brave men and women of the IDF and we invite those who have served as Lone Soldiers in the IDF, together with their families, to join us as we honor their service.”
