“All in for Israel” Casino Night Draws Over 400 Supporters of Israel
FAIRFIELD, Conn., January 24, 2024 — More than 400 local community members united in a powerful show of solidarity with the people of Israel on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Jewish National Fund-USA’s All in for Israel: Casino Night at The Warehouse. The nonprofit organization’s first-ever large community-wide fundraising event in Fairfield County was chaired by local philanthropists Lauren & Josh Braunstein and Jacqueline & Jeffrey Fidelman.
Josh
& Lauren Braunstein, Jaqueline & Jeffrey Fidelman
The upscale fundraiser featured an elegant dinner, signature cocktails, a silent auction, casino prizes, and casino games, including poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. The entertainment portion of the evening included performances by Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz and DJ Herbert Holler. Even as the dice were rolled and cheers were toasted, the challenges facing Israel remained top of mind.
“Nothing could have prepared me for the events of October 7,” said Westport resident and Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Westchester & Southern CT, Samara Rader. “That day, our Israeli brothers and sisters faced unimaginable horrors: loved ones were brutally attacked, murdered, and taken hostage. It was a day that changed our lives forever. Yet, in the face of this adversity, something extraordinary has happened: The Jewish People have become more united than ever. We have rallied together and are standing shoulder to shoulder; supporting each other and our family in the Jewish Homeland.”
The event’s featured speaker was Yedidya Harush, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Halutza Liaison, Negev Community Development, who works with the organization to support regional development in southern Israeli communities.
On October 7, Harush’s world was turned upside down when he and his friends jumped into action to protect neighboring communities under attack by Hamas. They fought off terrorists on foot, saving hundreds of lives, yet tragically losing four of his closest friends. Despite the unthinkable tragedy, Harush, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reserve soldier who has since been fighting on the frontlines in Gaza, drove home the point that even though residents went through the unimaginable and were evacuated from their communities, they are determined to rebuild and return stronger than ever.
Ella
& Alex Gurevich, Yedidya Harush
“Before the ‘Black Shabbat,’ Jewish National Fund-USA was with the people of the Israel Envelope — dreaming of endless possibilities and working to make those dreams a reality,” said the organization’s Westchester & Southern Connecticut Co-President Mike Benn. “Since that day, the focus has necessarily shifted as we double down on supporting the people of Israel, whose lives have been turned into a nightmare. Our promise remains unbroken, however — we are with them and will do all we can to pave the way for their care today and to help them return home in the days ahead.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s lay leadership also educated attendees about the organization’s Israel Resilience Campaign (jnf.org/supportisrael), which has raised over $50 million since October 7, 2023, and has supported the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s South while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, and other supplies. The campaign also includes the Livnot B'Yachad - Build Together plan, a bold, strategic initiative to rebuild communities in the Israel Envelope (formerly known as the Gaza Envelope) and the lives of broken people.
Event Host Committee
“It was incredibly moving to see hundreds of people who were committed and eager to make a difference and saying, ‘count on me’ while they stand with Israel during this crisis,” added Rader.
For more information or to learn about future events, contact Samara Rader, Director, Westchester & Southern CT, at srader@jnf.org or 212.879.9300 x510.
The Gurevich Family Foundation was the Premier Sponsor for the event.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Milton
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.