Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens recently welcomed Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi of the Israel Defense Forces for the season-opening Changemakers event. Introduced by sponsor Lauren Gross and Rabbi Dovid Vigler, the evening emphasized the deep spiritual connection to the Land of Israel and the power of Jewish faith.
General Avivi shared how faith is the foundation of the IDF’s success. He recounted a personal story of taking his battalion — many of whom had never visited Jerusalem or the Western Wall — to connect with their heritage, which awakened their motivation and transformed their performance. This experience propelled Avivi to a senior IDF role overseeing intelligence and international relations.
The evening concluded with a standing ovation for General Avivi, who mingled with attendees during a dessert reception, fostering community spirit.
