Eli Elezra and Jeff Platt are taking part in the launch of a new series of poker tournaments. The events will take place across the U.S. They will serve as charitable fundraisers for Friends of the Israeli Defense Force.
Founded in 1981, FIDF provides support to members of the Israeli military, veterans, and their families. The money raised from these events will help fund their various good-works, which include religious and educational programs. They describe themselves as "a non-political, non-military organization."
This charity puts particular emphasis on FIDF's educational programs, as well as financial relief, in their fundraising priorities for 2021.
The events
FIDF will be holding events in Los Angeles, Miami, and Long Island locations. Plus they have events planned for sites in Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, and Maryland. The series will start with a batch of open events. The FIDF has scheduled these open events to take place on April 29.
These open events will then serve as feeder tournaments for the FIDF National Poker Tournament taking place on May 2, 2021. Twitch will stream the final table of the FIDF National Poker Tournament.
It will be interesting to see how the series does. A charity in support of the somewhat controversial Israeli military could be a pro for the series' marketing. Or it could work against the series' PR. People have strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
Celebrity players
Four-time WSOP bracelet winner, Eli Elezra, provided quotes for the charity's presser.
"As a former officer in the Golani Brigade, I have never forgotten the importance of serving my country," said Elezra. He is himself an ex-IDF soldier. "For years, I have been proud to support the IDF. And I am grateful to have another opportunity to do so through the FIDF National Poker Tournament."
Elezra's addition is a big coup for the charity. He was one of the regulars on High Stakes Poker back in the day. And he has positioned himself well both as a respected player and an influencer in the community.
The poker community is less widely aware of Jeff Platt, a sports commentator and an amateur poker player. He took the chance to say that he is "thrilled to have this opportunity to be involved with the FIDF National Poker Tournament."
Platt went on to add, "I admire what the organization does for the IDF. And I greatly look forward to broadcasting some poker in a virtual setting, while we raise some money for our friends in Israel."
Platt has some $290,000 in live tourney cashes. Both he and Elezra will take part in the tourneys.
Featured image source: Flickr by Martin Fletcher
