An event in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria hotel Tuesday night raised $27 million (roughly 100 million shekels) for the IDF. The event was attended by 1,400 guests from the United States, Panama and Israel. Among them were influential American businessmen and top IDF staff. More than 30 soldiers and commanders from various IDF units took part as well. This year’s event focused on intelligence units and special forces. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi attended the event as well. He thanked the donors for their contribution to the IDF and to Israeli society.