ERETZ ISRAEL

Friend,

At the conclusion of his esteemed service, Former IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, requested to personally acknowledge you, the generous supporters of Friends of the IDF.

He has long recognized the efforts of this organization to support Israel's soldiers, and wanted to salute and thank you for the important part you play in their lives in the letter below:

Dear Friends of the Israel Defense Forces,

In the four years since I was appointed as the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and assumed the responsibility of leading Israel's military, much has changed in our nation.

The years since 2011 have been tumultuous ones for the soldiers of the IDF. Israel has seen increasingly unstable and hostile behavior from our neighbors, and our soldiers have responded with the bravery and morality characteristic of the IDF. That includes humanitarian aid to innocent civilians and refugees and, of course, firm response and defense to enemy threats.

In November 2012, during Operation Pillar of Defense, and again this past summer, our soldiers mobilized to defend Israel's borders against terrorist-launched rocket attacks from Gaza, threatening men, women, and children.

Although Operation Protective Edge has concluded, the challenges facing Israel are unrelenting.

The training, missions, and operations the soldiers carry out, large and small, publicized and classified, are integral to maintaining the safety of our people. These acts of innovation, ingenuity, and courage would not have been possible were it not for the advanced technologies, the rigorous training, and the most important resource of all -- our soldiers and officers on the ground, in the air, and at sea, who work night and day to ensure that the IDF is prepared for any threat.

For these brave men and women, the assistance you provide is more than monetary aid; it is an empowering reminder of the solidarity of our friends abroad.

As my term as IDF Chief of the General Staff comes to an end, I would like to personally thank you, Friends of the IDF, for your uncompromising support of the IDF soldiers at all times. You are not just a friend of Israel; you are family to each and every soldier.

Thank you. I salute you.

Yours Sincerely,

Thank you for making such a significant impact on Israel's brave soldiers.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir
National Director and CEO
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)