Israel Forever Foundation celebrate NYC launch with former IDF Spokesperson at Gansevoort Hotel

NEW YORK - Dec. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- New York, NY, -- December 18, 2013 -- The Israel Forever Foundation (http://www.israelforever.org/) (IFF) hosted 350 New York City Young Jewish Professionals on December 16th, along with Jspace.com (http://www.jpsace.com/) at The Gansevoort Hotel for a discussion with the immediate former IDF Spokesperson of the Judea Samaria Division, Captain Barak Raz (Res.). This event was also supported by BBYO, StandwithUs, Likud, Tzofim and one of The Israel Forever Foundation’s strongest programs, The Lone Soldier Project.

A native New Yorker from Queens, Captain (Res.) Raz addressed the young professionals with personal accounts of his seven years in the IDF, where he implemented a proactive strategic communications policy, serving as strategic advisor to the division's commander (Major General Nitsan Alon, Brigadier General Hagai Mordechai, and most recently Brigadier General Tamir Yadaie) and partaking in strategic and tactical planning for the division, its brigades, and its specialized units.

"Israel Forever’s event with Jspace proved to all in attendance the power of the community coming together around issues important to us.” said Captain (Res.) Raz. reflecting on the evening. “While young professionals are overloaded in their professional and social lives, they are also tasked with leading the community into the future, making it vital to create programming that is both educational and fun. I was proud to participate in this type of meaningful event and am very appreciative of all those in attendance."

In his role as Spokesperson, Raz was responsible for all media and public diplomacy efforts of the division, working with organizations and individuals from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and around the world, including government officials, media, NGOs, human rights organizations, civic organizations, and more. Through his efforts, he was able to influence personal opinion of people all over the world to help them see the positive and productive efforts for peace and security that Israel continuously struggles to achieve.

Amongst event attendees were members of the Israel Action Network of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA). "It was a pleasure to attend The Israel Forever Foundation's New York City event with JSpace.” commented William Daroff, Senior Vice President for Public Policy & Director of the Washington Office. “Hundreds of Jewish Young Professionals joined together for an evening of schmoozing and friendship. There was a hush through the room when Barak Raz spoke about his time in the IDF and the ongoing security needs of Israel. I look forward to watching Israel Forever's continued growth."

The Israel Forever Foundation creates programs and initiatives designed to enhance the levels of Israel engagement among supporters and advocates living in the Jewish diaspora. “We are thrilled to be branching out and bringing Israel Forever to New York City!” said Ariana Heideman, the Director of Special Events for The Israel Forever Foundation. Israel Forever Ambassador, Lauren Englander, had encouraged The Israel Forever Foundation to grow its presence in NYC after attending various IFF events in DC. "It was such a privilege to be part of this great event where people were really excited to get involved!"

Interested in bringing events like this to your city?
Contact Heidi Krizer Daroff at heidi@israelforever.org to get involved today!

For more information about The Israel Forever Foundation: www.israelforever.org