New Director of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Ohio Chapter

Lane Schlessel, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, has been appointed the new Director of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Ohio Chapter. Lane will assume the role beginning June 1, 2013.

Lane is a highly experienced manager and director. Over the past 30 years, he has served in various senior positions with BBYO Inc., located in Washington, DC.  Since 1998, he served as the National Director of Passport Travel Programs at the organization, and for the past 5 years he has also served as Development Consultant. He has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Louis University, and also serves as City Councilman for Lyndhurst, Ohio.

“Lane brings extraordinary leadership, experience, and wisdom, to his new role as Director of FIDF Ohio Chapter,” said Elie Weiss, Co-Chairman of the FIDF Ohio Chapter. “I am confident that with his help, we will be able to better reach our goals in Ohio.”

 

Tamir Oppenheim, Executive Director of the FIDF Midwest Region, said of Lane’s appointment, “We have chosen an exceptional person to perform this important job. Lane is a true Clevelander that brings over 30 years of experience, working for the community and Israel. Together with the strong leadership of FIDF’s Midwest Region and our committed local lay leaders, Lane will take the Ohio Chapter to the next level.”

 

One of Lane’s first major tasks will be the upcoming FIDF Ohio Chapter Gala Dinner, which will take place on October 17, at 6:00 pm at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, where hundreds of FIDF supporters from across Ohio will gather to support Israel’s brave soldiers.

 

“I am excited about joining the FIDF here in Ohio and continuing my connection to Israel through this great organization,” said Lane Schlessel. “Throughout my professional career I have visited our home land, lead and shared my strong passions for the Jewish state and those who defend it with communities throughout North America and now I get to focus these efforts here in Ohio.”

 

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing and supporting educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for the heroic men and women of the IDF. Today, FIDF has more than 120,000 loyal supporters, and 17 regional offices throughout the U.S. and Panama. FIDF proudly offers its support to the IDF soldiers and their families through a variety of unique and innovative programs. These opportunities reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org .