Today I would like to tell you about an amazing event that happened last weekend. There will be an article about it in next week's Heritage but I can't wait another week to kvell.   About a month ago, I received a call from the Police Attach� at the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, Menachem Chaver, who told me that the Israeli Police Inspector General, Lt. General Yochanan Danino, and a group of senior police officers from Israel were visiting Orlando to attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference held on October 24-26. The Attach� asked the Federation to organize a welcome Shabbat dinner in honor of the Commissioner and his colleagues.

We were very honored and excited to do it and quickly enlisted support from the Orlando chapter of the Jewish National Fund. And so last Friday night, we hosted a festive Shabbat dinner in honor of Inspector General Danino, his wife Yael and daughter Tom, and a group of senior Israeli police officers. We were also happy to welcome a group of Danino's American friends who came to Orlando to cheer him as he received a prestigious Leadership Award from the Police Executive Research Forum.

This is a very impressive achievement as this award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of law enforcement and exemplify the highest principles and standards in policing. And it is especially important because the Israeli police chief shares it with the Jordanian and the Palestinian police commissioners. In his brief remarks during the dinner, Inspector General Danino gave a number of concrete examples of productive cooperation with the Jordanian and Palestinian police that had improved law enforcement and increased security. He also acknowledged his colleagues, the four police chiefs from southern Israel, who have displayed courage during this summer's Protective Edge operation.

During the dinner that was held at the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Israeli guests mixed with their American hosts and had a lively conversation. We were all united by our love for Israel and concern for her safety and security. The evening was full of laughter, friendship, solidarity, and of course, great food. I only wish I had such wonderful Shabbat dinners every week.  

I would like to thank the SOJC for hosting the dinner and making us welcome and comfortable. I also thank the Orlando chapter of the JNF for generously co-sponsoring the dinner.

It was a wonderfully warm and festive Shabbat dinner. I feel very proud and gratified that we had this opportunity to welcome and honor a senior Israeli official and show our community's support for Israel.