On May 3rd, Israel Bonds held a successful joint event with SHAI, Great Neck Synagogue, and Temple Israel of Great Neck held at Great Neck Synagogue. The evening’s very deserving honorees were Shahram Mike Delafraz, Rebecca and Sassan Sassouni, and Abraham Sedgh, each of whom gave heartfelt remarks, following introductions by Rabbi Howard Stecker. Attendees also heard a special presentation from three inspiring speakers from Israeli
Air Force Unit 669. Captain (Reserve) Bar Reuven, First Sergeant (Reserve) Yoav Asa, and First Sergeant (Reserve) Sam Fraifeld spoke movingly of their experiences as a combat rescue officer, combat medic, and combat rescue soldier, respectively. Unit 669, an elite search and rescue unit, was established in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when the IDF had no way to rescue downed pilots captured behind enemy lines. Over the years, Unit 669’s mission has broadened, and its members are responsible for the rescue and evacuation not only of distressed military personnel, but of all Israeli citizens in need. As Israel’s only national security rescue service, Unit 669 has saved thousands from mass casualty events, terror attacks, and car accidents.

Special thanks to Erika Goldstein-Kashi, Mike Delafraz, Shahruz Shahery, and Albert Bassal for helping to make this event such a success. A large number of Israel bonds were purchased as personal investments or gifts. Attendees were also given the option of purchasing bonds for SHAI or for American Friends of Unit 669, a non-profit organization established to support the alumni and soldiers of Unit 669, many of whom will be the future leaders of Israeli society.