Damage Control at FIDF: Too Little, Too Late?
Internal Emails Show FIDF Scrambling After Explosive Report Exposes Power Grabs and Donor Deception
Following a damning investigative report published by Ynet, panic set in rapidly at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), leading to urgent internal communications aimed at damage control. Rabbi Steven Weil, CEO of FIDF, swiftly issued an internal email to staff addressing the allegations and asserting that the organization had already been proactively managing the concerns raised. Weil's email revealed the seriousness of the situation, indicating that leadership had been actively "evaluating and addressing" the problems well before the publication of Ynet’s exposé, which documented claims of extreme centralization, conflicts of interest, misuse of funds, and an overall toxic organizational culture.
The Ynet investigation detailed that Chairman Morey Levovitz had unofficially acted as CEO, consolidating power without formal authorization, allegedly steering contracts toward personal associates, and mismanaging organizational funds. The internal turmoil described as a "burst sewer blockage" included allegations of intentional misinformation provided to donors and dissatisfaction among regional branches. Employees expressed fear of retaliation, while senior board member Garry Sobol accused management of attempting to silence critical findings from the internal investigation, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Amidst this escalating pressure, a "panic email" was sent by Zvi Alon, a major donor and spouse of former board member Riki Alon. Alon urgently called for Levovitz’s immediate resignation, warning that without such decisive action, the reputational and financial damage to FIDF could be catastrophic. He argued emphatically that any response short of the chairman’s resignation would only exacerbate the crisis, potentially igniting an irreparable firestorm.
This controversy is not the first time FIDF’s reputation has come into question. Previously, there were concerns raised about the use of emergency funds for seemingly frivolous items such as candy and flip-flops, leading to widespread skepticism among donors and supporters. The new allegations have intensified these doubts, raising critical questions about how effectively and transparently the organization manages the substantial resources entrusted to it.
The leadership’s anxiety was palpable in Weil's carefully crafted guidance instructing employees not to speak with the media and to refer donor concerns to a senior marketing official. Weil emphasized that despite the turbulence, the organization's mission and operational integrity remained intact, urging calm and confidence. Yet, his memo also implicitly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, highlighting internal unease and the urgency of regaining trust. As FIDF scrambles to manage this crisis, the effectiveness of their response remains uncertain, further damaging their already questioned reputation.
