FIDF Young Leadership Rocks Hanukkah at the Hilton

Things turned out pretty well this weekend for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Young Leadership.

It was the fifth night of Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, and the night of the group's first official event: The Winter Soldier Ball, held at the .

It was held to raise awareness of the work of Israeli soldiers, to gather support, and raise funds. And it attracted more than 300 people on Dec. 24—a usually quiet night in Pikesville. That count is according to initial estimates.

The event was coordinated by Rose Waldner, Avi Werdesheim, Eli Werdesheim and Michael Spector.

"Do you feel the vibration ... the electricity?" said Eddie Rogers, referring to the hundreds of people dancing and mingling at the event. Rogers is community outreach chairman for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Midatlantic Chapter, headquartered in Pikesville.

"I'm delighted at the turnout," said Yitzy Shnidman, a member of the FIDF board. "I know that the town is usually whisper quiet on Christmas Eve," he said loudly to be heard over the music.

There was a DJ spinning dance music, a Chinese food buffet and cash bar. For next year's party, the FIDF Young Leadership plans to have casino tables, Shnidman said.

The event is one of many successes for the young FIDF chapter that is only three years old.

This fall, the FIDF held its annual gala, attracting 865 attendees, Rogers said. That fundraiser brought in about $800,000.

Editor's Note: The original version of this article did not include the name of one of the event chairmen. We regret the error.