Dear Friends,  

Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of the brave few against the many, recognizing the miracles that have allowed the Jewish nation to survive and thrive throughout history. Every Hanukkah, the holiday's lessons come to light at the IAF Center, as we host a special event honoring the strength and sacrifice of Air Force families whose loved ones have fallen in Israel's defense.  

This week, we held our 10th annual Hanukkah gathering for bereaved Air Force families, in partnership with the IAF. More than 1,600 men, women, and children gathered - widows and orphans, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. During the event, I met Avia Gomez, who was born two months after his father was killed during the Second Lebanon War. Avia joined other children and grandchildren of the fallen to light the Hanukkah candles in memory of his father and all of the IAF's warriors lost in battle. 

We are grateful to Professor Andrew and Erna Viterbi, Hadas and Zvi Bar-On, and Irene Levoy for sponsoring this event and joining with us in saluting all of the IAF bereaved families.  

 
The IAF Center proudly serves as a home for bereaved families - a place that comforts them in their loss and sends a powerful message that they will always be a part of the Air Force.   

 If you wish to join in supporting this unique program, please follow this link to donate  online.

With much appreciation,

Simcha Salach

Executive Director 

IAF Center Foundation