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June 15, 2011 defpro.com
"The Middle East is changing before our eyes and Israel and the IDF [Israel Defense Force] are facing new challenges," Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz said on Monday night (June 13) while speaking at a Soldiers' Welfare Association event at the Kirya in Tel Aviv honoring companies that have contributed to the "Adopt a Soldier" program.
"The challenges are numerous and Israel and the IDF will have to adapt to the changing reality," Lt. Gen. Gantz continued.
The "Adopt a Soldier" program benefits soldiers in 160 IDF combat units. In the past year, 16 million shekels were donated to the IDF through the program.
In addition to participation by Israeli companies and individual donors, 39 battalions have been adopted by the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) organization in the U.S. and other donors in the U.S. and Latin America.
Lt. Gen. Gantz thanked donors for their contributions to the IDF.
"All of us here today are one family," Lt. Gen. Gantz said.
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