Jewish National Fund-USA Denver-area philanthropists met with Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia, founder of the organization’s Special in Uniform program, to learn how their charitable giving empowers young people with disabilities to attain their rite of passage, just like other Israelis, and serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Often referred to as the IDF’s “secret weapon,” this life-changing initiative integrates young adults with disabilities and special needs into the IDF — providing them with valuable skills that help them enter the workforce and Israeli society following their service.

Special in Uniform supporters Elaine and Max Appel hosted Attia at their family-owned restaurant, Zaidy’s Deli & Bakery, while Attia shared updates about the more than 500 soldiers participating in the program and the 200 soldiers on a waiting list. Additional attendees at the various gatherings included JNF-USA’s Director, Mountain States, Matt Leebove; JNF-USA Mountain States Board member and Sapphire Society member Paula Breese and her husband Jay; JNF-USA Gaza Envelope Task Force member Nira Lipner; Jane E. Rosenbaum; and incoming Mountain States President Sam Goldberg and his wife Natalie.

For more information about Special in Uniform, contact Matthew Leebove at mleebove@jnf.org.