Leibel Mangel will share his story at a Shabbat dinner at the Chabad House in West Hartford.

Submitted

Leibel Mangel, a combat veteran in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) is coming to West Hartford on Friday, Jan. 12, and he will share his powerful story of challenges and successes at an elegant Shabbat dinner at the Chabad House.

At the age of 19, Leibel Mangel left his home and family in Cincinnati, OH, to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier. As the son of a Rabbi and the grandson of one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz, serving in the IDF was not a matter of if, but rather when.

Leibel served as a machine gunner in the Kfir Brigade, where he took part in numerous high profile anti-terror operations including the tragic discovery of the bodies of three teenage boys who were kidnapped from Gush Etzion in 2014.

Leibel has used his story and experiences to continue his service by fighting for Israel in both mainstream and social media and in cities throughout the country. Leibel is also the recipient of a 2017 Jewish People’s Choice Award.

The dinner will be on Friday, Jan. 12 at 5:45 p.m. at the Chabad House, 2352 Albany Ave. in West Hartford. There will be a simultaneous children’s program.

The fee is $20/adult, $12/child, $65 family max, and $180 for sponsors.

 To register log on to www.ChabadHartford.com, call 860-232-1116 or email [email protected].