Following last week’s report that an FIDF board member resigned and called the organization “poorly run and disingenuous,” we are able to report on another board member defecting from the embattled organization. Here is the letter in full:
Dear FIDF Leadership,
I am a recent addition to the Silicon Valley FIDF Board, with 6 years of experience. I was drawn to the organization by the devotion, determination, and unwavering passion of the other board members. I buried myself in anything related to the FIDF, proudly wearing my swag, persuading every family member, Israeli and non-Israeli friends, and a number of Evangelical Christian friends to donate to the FIDF. It was, as our incoming President would say “The best organization ever”!
I was inspired by Amarelle Green’s effective leadership, boundless enthusiasm, and her ability to bring out the best in all of us. She continually sought opportunities to raise funds for the soldiers who protect our small but mighty Israel. She maximized donations from those in the tech community, as well as first time donors of all levels, who were drawn to her enthusiasm for the FIDF organization. She inspired my children and their new spouses, the important next generation, to begin donating to the FIDF family.
Amarelle Green, together with Leann Zatlavi, made a formidable team. In addition to escalating donations on a minimal budget, they made sure to keep us enthusiastic, by hand-delivering holiday packages to the Board members, and always having a kind word for us at “Board Fun Days” and galas. I felt so included with this high-level Board, and I aimed to become ever more involved. I began sponsoring IMPACT soldiers, met with them in Israel at their weddings or brits of their sons, maintained communication with them during the stressful periods of The War, and encouraged others to increase their donations.
I am disheartened and disgusted by the FIDF leadership’s decision to fire our most dedicated Amarelle and Leann.
I too am resigning and will become involved in Achim L’Chaim (Brothers for Life). There are a number of former soldiers who I became acquainted with through the FIDF, who served valiantly in numerous wars, who have lost friends through the years, and who have asked me to donate to their worthy organization.
I wish the FIDF organization a return to “Sechel” (Wisdom),
Marilyn Sarig
