May 27, 2014 -
New York City
Real estate professionals gathered for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) New York Real Estate Division Gala contributing $230,000 for wellbeing and educational programs for the men and women of the IDF.
More than 300 real estate leaders and supporters of FIDF came together at the Prince George Ballroom for the event. Steven Napolitano, president and CEO of First Nationwide Title Agency, was honored for his commitment to Israel's soldiers and for his accomplishments in the real estate community. Before founding the agency, he was an executive vice president of First American Title Insurance Co. and president of the company's New York division.
In attendance were active duty IDF intelligence officers, including Second Lieutenant Roni Johnson, of the IDF Combat Intelligence Corps, who spoke during the evening's program and said, "We know that for Israel to survive we must be strong to defend ourselves. We have a duty not only to Israel but also to the Jewish people the world over, and with the IDF I know for sure we can say, 'never again.'"
"It's good to know that someone who doesn't even know us personally or by name supports us, thinks of us, and appreciates our hard work," Second Lieutenant Johnson said.
Also speaking at the event and underscoring the importance of providing for Israel's brave soldiers were FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, and Chairman of FIDF's New York Real Estate Division and Co-Chairman and CEO of Stonehenge Partners, Ofer Yardeni.
The FIDF NY Real Estate Division was created in 2006 by a group of successful business and philanthropic leaders who were passionate about uniting members of the real estate community in support of Israel's soldiers. The division has helped support several construction projects, including a wellbeing center at the IDF Revaya Base for Battalion 71 of the 188th Brigade, as well as other FIDF wellbeing programs to benefit soldiers. The Real Estate Division plays a central role in the activities of the FIDF Tri-State Region.