"Never in the field of
human conflict, was
so much owed by so
many to so few"
Winston Churchill
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Highlights of Activities and Developments in 2007
Human Resource |
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Second Annual Chanukah Event
The Second Annual Chanukah Event took place in January 2007. It was organized through the generous support of the Viterbi family from the United States, the Chanukah event hosted close to 1200 families who lost a loved one - an IAF soldier or officer who fought to keep the State of Israel safe.
The Chanukah candles were lit by Patrick Gomez, who lost his son, Captain Daniel Gomez (of blessed memory) when he was shot down by a rocket on August 12th, 2006 at the age of 25. He thanked everyone for the warm support and caring his family has received as they struggle to cope with Daniel’s loss. Mr. Gomez sent a special thank you to the Viterbi Family for enabling this event to bring together the families and show them that there is light, and there is life, after such tragedy.
Together with Rabbi Levine, eight young audience members – all of whom lost a parent in the IAF and all of whom were celebrating birthdays during Chanukah - were asked to light the Chanukah candles. The Israel Air Force Ensemble sang Chanukah songs for the children who then enjoyed an amazing performance of the new musical show Aluminium. |
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Third Annual Chanukah Event
The Israel Air Force Center was honored to host, the Third Annual Chanukah Celebration for IAF Bereaved families in December 2007, through the generous support of the Viterbi family from the United States.
Major General Elyezer Shkedy joined the 790 people at the event with a special emotional address blessing the families, and lit the Chanukah lights together with the Israel Air Force Rabbi, Colonel Moshe Raved and 5 orphans. The emotional ceremony was followed by special Chanukah songs sung by the IAF ensemble.
This year's special show was "Fantasy Kids" theatre show which is a combination of light, sound and color.
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Passover Spring Retreat for IAF Widows and Orphans
Organized by the IAF Casualty and Loss Service Center and funded by the American Iranian Jewish Federation of New York, the Passover Spring Retreat brings together IAF widows and orphans for a recreational, therapeutic and bond-building retreat. Each year the location is different.
In 2007, the retreat hosted 106 widows and 122 orphans for a two-day program of activities at the Dead Sea. Gathering together from all over Israel, these bereaved families are reunited with old friends and forge strong new friendships with others who have experienced a similar loss – the loss of a loved one who died in service to the IAF. The program included workshops and tours of the Judean Desert as well as special therapy treatments.
In what has now become a tradition, the Israel Air Force Commander, Major General Elyezer Shkedy, joined the families for a festive farewell dinner party where he mingled with the widows and orphans and listened to their stories.
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