Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) announced the appointment of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veteran Orna Sheena to the position of Women’s Campaign tri-state director and Robert Katz to executive director, New York Chapter and Affinity Groups.
Sheena joins FIDF with over 25 years of experience working in the Tri-State Jewish philanthropic community. For the past 13 years, Sheena has worked as senior director at UJA-Federation of New York. At UJA, she developed and executed some of the largest and most popular programs on Long Island, including fundraising events, mitzvah projects and educational sessions. She has been the director of education of a synagogue on Long Island for 23 years.
“As a former IDF soldier, I am very excited to embark on this new role and to lead the FIDF’s Women’s Campaign,” said Sheena. “I look forward to working with the committed women of tri-state and collaborating with them on expanding their voice and impact within the FIDF community. Together we will raise much-needed funds for the well-being of the women and men of our IDF and secure the future of Israel.”
Robert Katz comes to FIDF with over 25 years of non-profit fundraising, management and strategic planning experience with strong leadership focused on Israel and the Jewish world. Katz most recently worked as the chief development officer for Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services with an annual operating budget of $70 million. Additionally, he served as vice president for development at American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, executive director at American Friends for Migdal Ohr and director of development in New York for International Hillel.
“As the son of Holocaust survivors and a Zionist from birth, I want to share my passion for Israel and its incredible soldiers with the rest of the world, especially in my hometown of New York,” said Katz. “I went to high school in Israel but returned before my senior year while all my friends went on to serve proudly in the IDF. It’s time to pay it forward. It’s truly an honor to have been chosen by the board, our National Director and CEO Steven Weil, and my colleague Galit Brichta to assume this new position. We have an amazing story to tell.”
“The FIDF is thrilled to have Robert and Orna join our new team of seasoned, trusted professionals,” said FIDF National Director and CEO Steven Weil. “With their great passion, they will play an integral role in telling the story of our amazing soldiers to business and community leaders, as well as caring citizens, throughout the tri-state area.”
