Friends of Unit 669

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Friends of Unit 669

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Our mission is to support Unit 669 veterans and make a lasting impact on their lives, as well as on Israeli society and communities worldwide.

American Friends of Unit 669 (AFU669) is a nonprofit strengthening the bond between American Jewish communities and Israel’s elite Combat Search and Rescue Unit 669. American Friends of Unit 669 (AFU669) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the connection between American Jewish communities and Israel’s elite Combat Search and Rescue Unit 669. Founded in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War, Unit 669 is the Israeli Air Force’s premier Combat Search and Rescue unit. Originally focused on recovering downed pilots behind enemy lines, the unit has expanded its mission to include rescuing IDF personnel and civilians during mass casualty incidents, terror attacks, and natural disasters. AFU669 provides vital support through programs like PTSD assistance, scholarships, mentorship, and life-saving equipment to ensure veterans successfully transition to civilian life and continue to contribute to society. Join us in honoring the courage and commitment of Unit 669’s members by supporting our initiatives and participating in our events. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for those who have sacrificed so much to save others.

10/23/2026

Every step carried his memory.

On October 16, Major Ben Shelly’s family, fellow Unit 669 veterans and members of the community gathered in Central Park for the AFU 669 Memorial Run.

Led by Ben’s brother, Yam, participants walked, ran and cycled together in honor of a brother, commander and beloved member of the Unit 669 family.

From families completing the 5K to runners and cyclists taking on the 10K, every mile became an act of remembrance.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Shelly family, honored Major Ben Shelly z”l and helped carry his legacy forward.

The miles are behind us. His memory moves with us.

10/21/2026

New York stood with Unit 669.

On October 15, AFU 669 brought Heroes Without Borders to Manhattan for an evening with the people behind the rescues.

Major Dr. I. shared what happens when the rescuer becomes the rescued. H., a Unit 669 veteran and former senior commander, took guests inside the decisions behind critical rescue missions in conversation with Tal Heinrich. Carmel and Mika Shelly honored Major Ben Shelly z”l through a special tribute performance, and Cantor Netanel Hershtik led Tefila L’Chayalim.
Guests also experienced a live Unit 669 demonstration that offered an inside look at the urgency and teamwork behind every rescue.

Our deepest thanks to Gala Honorary Co-Chairs Ronit and Yoram Behiri, host Daniel-Ryan Spaulding, our speakers, sponsors and every guest who made the evening possible.
The evening ended. The mission continues.

Learn more about AFU 669: https://www.afu669.org/

10/14/2026

Los Angeles showed up for Unit 669.

Last Sunday, our community came together for Heroes Without Borders, an unforgettable evening honoring the rescuers who enter the most dangerous places to bring others home.

We heard firsthand from Unit 669 veterans and medics, experienced the urgency and teamwork behind a rescue mission, and joined Carmel and Mika Shelly for a moving tribute to Major Ben Shelly z”l.

Our deepest thanks to Gala Honorary Co-Chairs Evelyn and Richard Gumpert, host Daniel-Ryan Spaulding, our speakers, sponsors and every guest who stood with us.

New York, you’re next. Join us on October 15: https://www.afu669.org/NYCgala2026

10/08/2026

While pregnant, Master Sergeant N. served more than 200 days on active reserve duty as a Unit 669 flight paramedic. She helped save and evacuate dozens of wounded soldiers in Gaza.

Hear her story in person at our Heroes Without Borders galas.

Los Angeles, October 11: https://www.afu669.org/2026-la-gala
New York City, October 15: https://www.afu669.org/NYCgala2026

10/07/2026

On October 7, and every day since, we remember the members of the Unit 669 family who are no longer with us.

They were fighters, commanders, medics, fathers, sons, brothers and friends. Each carried the values at the heart of Unit 669: courage, responsibility and the unwavering commitment to save others.

Captain Ido Joshua z"l
Sergeant First Class Rom Hecht z"l
sergeant major Tom Ish-Shalom z"l
Sergeant Major Dudi Digmi z"l
Major Ben Shelly z"l
Lieutenant Nethanel Eitan z"l
Sergeant Major Daniel Alloush z"l
Lieutenant Shay Aili z"l
Major Dr. Eytan Neeman z"l

May their memories be a blessing. May their courage, service and devotion continue to guide us.

10/05/2026

What would you bid on to support those who save lives?

The AFU669 Gala auctions are now open, with opportunities to bid on experiences and items you will not find in an ordinary auction.

Spend five days stepping into the world of Unit 669 through an immersive mission experience in Israel.

Tour the Unit’s base with up to five guests. Discover Fauda-inspired experiences, fine art, diamond jewelry, NFL tickets, family activities and more.

Every bid supports AFU669’s mission and the courageous people of Unit 669.

Los Angeles auction
Bidding closes October 11 at 9:30 PM PDT
https://givebutter.com/c/la-auction-american-friends-of-unit-669-for-those-who-save-lives-copy-sly9wj/auction

New York auction
Bidding closes October 15 at 9:30 PM EDT
https://givebutter.com/c/ny-auction-american-friends-of-unit-669-for-those-who-save-lives-copy-5iezj4/auction

Browse the full collections, choose your favorites and register to bid.

10/02/2026

Your gala ticket reaches beyond a single evening.

In 2025, the generosity of the AFU669 community helped create measurable impact:
• 80 academic scholarships were awarded, with 25% of recipients pursuing medical degrees.
• 100 reservists attended PTSD prevention and resilience workshops.
• Eight soldiers living with PTSD received therapy dogs and completed specialized training.
• 10,000 families in high-risk communities received life-saving medical kits and hands-on emergency first-aid training.
• More than 1,000 operational and tactical items were supplied to reservists in the field.
• Six families of fallen soldiers received ongoing support for memorial initiatives and daily needs.

Join us for Heroes Without Borders and help move this work forward.

LOS ANGELES
Sunday, October 11 at 5:30 PM
Register: https://www.afu669.org/2026-la-gala

NEW YORK CITY
Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 PM
Register: https://www.afu669.org/NYCgala2026

10/01/2026

On Friday, October 16, the AFU669 community will gather in Central Park to run in memory of Major Ben Shelly (z”l).

Ben served as a company commander in Unit 669 and was killed in Gaza on December 12, 2023. The Memorial Run will be led by his brother, Yam, Unit 669 veterans and Ben’s family.

Participants can join the 5K walk with their families or take part in the 10K run and cycling route.

EVENT TIMELINE

7:00 AM: Gathering and registration
8:00 AM: Run begins
10:00 AM: Memorial ceremony

Join us as we remember Ben and carry his legacy forward.

Register:https://www.afu669.org/2026-nyc-run

The exact starting location will be provided following registration.

09/30/2026

Daniel-Ryan Spaulding has the mic. Have you got your tickets?

He’s hosting our Heroes Without Borders galas in Los Angeles and New York, and you’re invited.

Meet the rescuers of Unit 669, hear their firsthand stories and watch a live immersive demonstration as we come together to honor the people who risk their lives to bring others home.

Los Angeles • October 11
New York City • October 15

Pick your city. Bring your people. Join us.
LA: https://lnkd.in/dJCbXtMa
NYC: https://lnkd.in/dNhY2Mew

09/28/2026

Major, Dr. I., MD entered Gaza as a Unit 669 combat physician, participating in hundreds of operations after being called to serve on October 7.

On September 11, 2024, the helicopter carrying him crashed during a rescue mission in Gaza. He was severely injured.

This time, the rescuer became the rescued.

This October, Major, Dr. I., MD will share his firsthand story at AFU669’s Heroes Without Borders galas in Los Angeles and New York City.

LOS ANGELES
Sunday, October 11 at 5:30 PM
Register: https://www.afu669.org/2026-la-gala

NEW YORK CITY
Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 PM
Register: https://www.afu669.org/NYCgala2026

Join us to hear what it means to answer the call when the mission changes everything.

Address

New York, NY
10009

Website

http://www.afu669.org/

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