A whopping 1500 Jews in their 20’s and 30’s gathered last Saturday night at the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th Street in what is among the largest annual New York fundraisers geared towards Young Jewish professionals.

The Middle Eastern “Sahara Soiree,” theme of the gala, hosted by the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces organization featured Persian rugs, humous, babaganoush and even an ornamental camel. Players flocked around casino tables where winners were awarded raffle tickets for the evening’s draw.

Plentiful finger foods, an open bar and live music ensured a consistently festive evening that raised in excess of $600,000 in support of the FIDF’s mission: ‘Their job is to look after Israel, ours is to look after them.’

Proceeds from the event chaired by the able Tony Felzen will specifically benefit the FIDF’s ‘dignity’ program, which seeks to ease economic burdens on soldiers with families who are financially insecure allowing them to worry a little bit less. The program provides vouchers for food, essential appliances, and furniture.