Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) announced the appointment of Steven Weil as its new National Director and CEO to head the charitable organization beginning September 16, 2020. He will succeed Maj. General Meir Klifi-Amir, who has led FIDF for six years of unprecedented organizational expansion.
“It is the greatest honor to join the FIDF family of lay leaders and professionals who have committed their lives to looking after the IDF soldiers,” said Weil. “FIDF, through educational and wellbeing initiatives, enables these courageous young men and women, who invest years of their lives to protect Israel, to serve proudly and guarantee the future of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Rabbi Tuly Weisz of Israel365 welcomed the news, “I am thrilled that my good friend Rabbi Steven Weil has been appointed as the new head of the FIDF. When I was a Congregational rabbi in the US and interacted frequently with Rabbi Weil, I was always impressed at what a dynamic, innovative and brilliant community leader he was. FIDF is fortunate to have him lead the organization and achieve new heights to benefit our brave soldiers.”
Under Klifi-Amir’s leadership, FIDF has experienced exponential growth. It expanded its fundraising capabilities, opened new chapters around the US, and raised more than $570 million between 2015-2019. True to its mission, FIDF was able to increase its wellbeing support for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, helping 114% more soldiers than in years prior.
In light of this, FIDF’s lay leaders identified the need to modify the structure of the organization’s executive office and extend the scope of both management and fundraising operations. To further deepen FIDF’s philanthropic roots within the local community and allow for a prolonged tenure of the CEO, FIDF’s Board has decided to appoint an American-based CEO, along with an IDF general to strengthen fundraising efforts.
The incoming National Director and CEO, Steven Weil, will develop FIDF in the long term and build upon its vital position within the American philanthropic community. He will oversee the 501(C)(3) not-for-profit as it continues to grow its infrastructure, both nationally and locally around the US and Panama, solidifying the strong foundation it has developed over the past 39 years, with the mission of supporting education and wellbeing programs for the soldiers of the IDF.
Weil, particularly suited for this position, comes to FIDF following an 11-year tenure at the Orthodox Union (OU). He attended Yeshiva University, concurrently completing his ordination at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (REITS) and receiving a master’s degree in Business Administration from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He began his career in education before moving on to pulpit work, first in Oak Park, MI and then in Beverly Hills, CA. In both locations, he significantly built and expanded his congregations and instituted programs to unify and impact the broader community. He subsequently assumed the position of senior managing director of the OU, where he spearheaded their institutional advancement and community engagement efforts.
Weil is a sought-after speaker and educator, and has given invocations for presidents, governors, and other senior elected officials. He is deeply passionate about the State of Israel, Jewish continuity, and the vital role Israel’s soldiers play in guaranteeing its future. Weil resides in New Jersey with his wife and is a proud father and grandfather.
