Helen Freedman – Israel Defender
Posted on October 15, 2017
Helen Freedman will receive Israel Defender Award at the 11th Annual RJCF Charity Gala on November 19th, 2017.
Who is Helen Freedman? She’s one of the greatest hero of our time who leads most pro-Israel Jewish Organization in the USA: Americans For a Safe Israel (AFSI) in uncompromising fight for Israel.
Any pro-Israel demonstration in New York area during the past 40 years? AFSI always is in the first row, Helen – is in front of everyone.
Helen has organized and personally lead 30-40 persons AFSI missions to visit the most significant – and sometimes quite dangerous - places within the Land of Israel (such as East Jerusalem, Hebron, remote settlement communities). Twice per year – for last 25 years! Everyone who ever joined this mission unanimously agree that she’s the National Hero!
AFSI has an overwhelming respect in Israel. Grassroots Israeli activists just completed a large memorial park In the memory of three kidnapped and murdered Israeli teenagers - right in the place of their horrible 2014 killing. The park named “AFSI Way”.
During a highly prestigious Ateret Cohanim dinner, a number of the top Israeli officials - including Ministers Naftali Bennett and Tzipi Hotovely - were staying in line to shake hands with Helen Freedman and express their gratitude.
Many of AFSI core members were among the founders of Freedom for Soviet Jewry campaign and played over the years a vital national role in achieving yours and mine freedom.
Helen became Executive Director of Americans for a Safe Israel/AFSI in 1995. She served in that capacity until December 2005 and resumed the position in 2009. She continues as AFSI’s Co-Executive Director, along with Judy Freedman Kadish, serving as a spokeswoman for the organization at innumerable meetings, press conferences, radio, and TV interviews. Helen assists in planning and leading the semi-annual AFSI Chizuk missions to Israel which have been conducted for the past 22 years. She also assists in planning and participating in programs and demonstrations related to a safe Israel – and America.
Helen was selected as one of the FORWARD FIFTY by the Forward newspaper for efforts to prevent the expulsion of the Gush Katif community in 2005. The connection she and AFSI have to the former Gush Katif residents continues to this day. She is committed to working with American and Israeli lawmakers, in Washington, DC and Jerusalem on issues affecting Israel and America. She also keeps in close contact with good friends developed in the many Israeli communities visited by AFSI on the Chizuk missions.
Helen Freedman will receive Israel Defender Award at the 11th Annual RJCF Charity Gala on November 19th, 2017.
Reprinted in part from AFSI.org