Cody Weiss
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For as long as he can remember, Cody has felt connected to Israel, its people, and the IDF. His commitment to the Jewish homeland traces back to his cousin, a Paratrooper in the IDF Reserves, who Cody has always strived to emulate.
More than a year before October 7, Cody and his friend Nate Wellek-a fellow 36 Under 36 honoree-were searching for ways to support the Jewish State, and formed the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Young Leadership Chicago Board.
The board, co-chaired by Cody and Nate, started off with 10 board members and has, since its inception, doubled. The board's 2024 Bar Night drew more than 700 attendees and raised $150,000.
Since October 7, Cody has teamed up with his two sisters to organize three fundraisers for their cousin's IDF reserve units who have been called into active duty.
So much of how he lives his life stems from his love of Israel and, as his friend writes, "his desire to protect Israeli soldiers-who are protecting world Jewry."
AGE:
28
PRONOUNS:
he/him/his
PRIMARY GIG:
Vice President at GEM Realty Capital
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Jewish, Zionist, golfer (aspiring), Texas Longhorn, Chicagoan
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I absolutely love reading history books.
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) from American Pie.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My cousin. He’s a Paratrooper in the IDF Reserves and has been fighting to protect Israel since October 7. He is kind, smart, and brave, and the Jewish people are lucky to have him fighting to protect our homeland. I have looked up to him my whole life and he continues to be an inspiration for me every day.
