Friends of the Israel Defense Forces raised $60 million at its annual Western Region Gala on Thursday, Nov. 1, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

From left, Haim Saban, Ashton Kutcher and Gerard Butler showed their support for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces at the organization’s annual Western Region Gala. (photo by Shahar Azran)

The figure represents the most money raised at any single FIDF event in the organization’s history. The sold-out gala united over 1,200 supporters from across the country to support the Israel Defense Forces.

For the 12th year, FIDF national board member and major supporter Haim Saban and his wife, Cheryl, chaired the star-studded gala.

Guests included prominent business, philanthropic, and political leaders and celebrated names in entertainment, fashion, sports and technology, including Ashton Kutcher, Pharrell Williams, Gerard Butler, Andy Garcia, Fran Drescher, Ziggy Marley, David Foster, Katharine McPhee and more.

“We are thrilled that so many members of our community, including major Hollywood figures, are coming together to help us support the brave men and women of the IDF,” Haim Saban said. “Cheryl and I are extremely proud to chair this event for the 12th year, and to be part of this incredible organization that inspires more and more supporters and contributions every year.”

The top donations announced at the event were $10 million from Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson and $10 million from Haim and Cheryl Saban.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who has contributed more than $45 million to FIDF in the last few years, donated $5 million at the gala.

The event featured a special performance by Pharrell Williams. Presiding as the evening’s master of ceremonies was Staff Sgt. Izzy Ezagui, an American who moved to Israel, became a decorated squad commander in the IDF, and returned to the battlefield after losing an arm in combat.

The gala presented a program which told the 70-year history of Israel, including the multigenerational story of the Duvdevani family, whose members are commended for their heroic actions protecting Israel.

Experiences of the IDF’s paramedics were shared as well and included the stories of Staff Sgt. Yotam, who helped an American soldier in need of critical medical treatment during Operation Swift Response, and Lt. Noam, a paramedic in the Armored Corps who attempted to perform resuscitation on a critically wounded soldier during Operation Protective Edge, despite his low chances of survival.

Funds raised at the gala will provide services such as academic scholarships to combat veterans, financial assistance for soldiers in-need, support for Lone Soldiers throughout their service and upon release, aid for wounded veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, as well as educational, cultural and recreational facilities.

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors. Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 supporters, and 20 chapters in the U.S. and Panama.

For information, visit fidf.org.