When Federation CEO Keith Dvorchik went to Israel last October, one of the places he visited was Hebron, the beautiful city where the Jewish patriarch Abraham and matriarch Sarah, as well as Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah and Joseph are buried. As Dvorchik relaxed with others in the group, he learned that the soldiers who guard the tomb have no place to relax when they are off duty.

The IDF soldiers, known as the Golani Brigade, serve a 3-month rotation at Hebron, guarding not just the tomb but also the city. Their “base” is built out of shipping containers!

Dvorchik came home with a conviction to do something to help. The Federation’s goal is to raise $8,000. By raising this small amount, our community can have one of the containers converted into a lounge with a big screen TV, video games, couches and other furniture. This will provide the Golani Brigade with a safe place to rest and relax when off duty.

Because of the 3-month rotation in Hebron, this lounge will impact thousands of IDF soldiers.

“When we visit Hebron on our community trip,” said Dvorchik, “we can visit the lounge that we created for these brave soldiers and experience the impact ourselves.”

Levels of giving are: Abraham and Sarah, $1,000; Isaac and Rebekah, $500; Jacob and Leah, $360; Twelve Tribes, $180; and children of Israel, under $180. To make a donation, contact Dvorchik at 407-621-4042 or at kdvorchik@jfgo.org.