FIDF Golf Outing Raises Money For Israeli Soldiers

Golfers prepare for the day ahead. (Photos by Howard Wechsler)

More than 200 of New York’s most prestigious real estate professionals gathered for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) New York Real Estate Division Fifth Annual Golf Outing at Glen Oaks Country Club on Monday, Sept. 26, raising more than $230,000 to support well-being and educational programs for soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

From left: FIDF supporter Jason Gold, event honoree Matthew E. Kasindorf, Esq., and FIDF supporters Jonathan Sheinberg and Howard Raber

The event honored Matthew E. Kasindorf, Esq., chair of the real estate department at Meister Seelig & Fein LLP, for his commitment to Israel’s soldiers and for his leadership in the New York real estate community. “The IDF’s brave soldiers protect Israel’s borders and ensure the security of Jews around the world,” said Kasindorf. “I personally believe that it is our moral obligation to support the well-being of these soldiers.”

From left: FIDF Tri-State Real Estate Division Director Olivia Lichaa with Matthew E. Kasindorf, Esq., who was honored

The FIDF New York 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 to support the men and women who help protect and defend the Jewish State. Since then, this division has helped support several projects, including the construction of a well-being center at the IDF Revaya Base for Battalion 71 of the 188th Brigade, and the support of other well-being programs for soldiers. The real estate division plays a central role in the activities of the FIDF tristate region.

FIDF supporters mingling during the reception at the FIDF NY Real Estate Division Golf Outing

“The dedication and selflessness of Israel’s troops is incredibly inspiring—as is the tremendous support I’ve seen from New York’s real estate community,” said FIDF New York Real Estate Division Chairman Shimon Shkury, who is also founder and president of Ariel Property Advisors. “It is my honor and privilege to stand with the soldiers of the IDF through Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.”

FIDF New York Real Estate Division Chairman Shimon Shkury (right), founder and president of Ariel Property Advisors, honored Matthew E. Kasindorf, Esq., chair of the real estate department at Meister Seelig & Fein LLP.

Also attending the daylong event, which included tennis, and was followed by cocktails and dinner, were Israeli Air Force F-16 pilot Major “M” and former Sergeant Gideon Drucker, who served as Lone Soldier in the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade. Other distinguished guests included FIDF National President Peter Weintraub; FIDF National Board Member and New York Real Estate Division Chairman Emeritus Ofer Yardeni, who is chairman and CEO of Stonehenge Partners; FIDF National Director and CEO Major General (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Tristate Executive Director Galit Brichta; and FIDF Tristate Real Estate Division Director Olivia Lichaa.