IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi was the keynote speaker at a dinner that raised some $20 million for Israel Wednesday night at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel. The multi-million dollar fundraiser was hosted by the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. The guests were moved to tears by the appearance of the deaf parents of an IDF fallen soldier who said that ever since their son gave his life for Israel, their own lives are spent at his grave and remembering him constantly.
Also attracted to the event were 500 protesters, who picketed the front of the hotel. They came from some two dozen American and Israeli organizations, including women's groups. Calling the IDF Chief of Staff the “butcher of Gaza,” the protesters brandished signs that read, “Israel is a Terrorist State,” “Nuremberg Justice for Israeli War Criminals,” “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free,” and No More US Tax Dollars for Israel.”
Across the street from the hotel, approximately 100 counter-protesters waved Israeli flags and held signs expressing their support for the IDF.
Meanwhile, inside the hotel, the guests were unaware of the protestors and the IDF Chief of Staff talked about the close relationship between Israeli and U.S. military officials. Earlier in the week, Ashkenazi met with National Security Adviser Jim Jones and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen. He also met with senior White House officials, and U.S. Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman.
Most of the discussions focused on the looming nuclear threat from Iran, a nation which Ashkenazi said has become a problem for entire world.
“Iran is the main threat to world peace, and gradually is attempting to sow regional instability through its proxies: Hizbullah, Hamas and other terrorist organizations,” he said. “Therefore the international community must stop the Iranian nuclear program for its own sake.”
Israel, he added, will be able to deal with Iran, regardless of whether diplomatic talks, economic sanctions and other non-military strategies work, or not. “All options should remain on the table. We are developing advanced weapons and technologies and increasing the number of military exercises and training, while raising reserve troops' readiness for war. We are doing this to be ready for any threat – from near and far,” he said.
“I am telling you this from this stage,” he added, “We will triumph over those who seek to destroy us. We will win thanks to the courage of our soldiers and their moral compass.”