Empowering the Future: ZOA Gala Celebrates Israel, Advocacy, and Leadership

 

On November 17, 2024, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) hosted its highly anticipated annual Superstar Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, drawing a sold-out crowd of nearly 900 attendees. The evening began with a VIP reception at 4:30 PM and showcased the organization’s dedication to celebrating and supporting Israel and the global Jewish community. Guests were treated to gourmet kosher cuisine by Foremost Caterers, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and unity.

The gala highlighted ZOA’s enduring mission to inspire, inform, and empower Jews worldwide to stand resolutely with Israel. Morton Klein, ZOA’s national president, emphasized the significance of the event in his remarks, noting that the gala serves to inspire pro-Israel advocacy while providing critical perspectives often absent from mainstream media. “We Jews did not come to Israel as colonialists,” Klein stated in his powerful address. “We came back home, and yet the world still denies our rights to our holy land.”

News anchor Rita Cosby, celebrating her 60th birthday, emceed the evening with grace and fervor. A dedicated advocate for Israel, Cosby shared the emotional story of her father, a Warsaw Ghetto uprising hero, chronicled in her bestselling book, Quiet Hero: Secrets from My Father’s Past. Her personal connection to Jewish history and resilience added a deeply meaningful touch to the night.

Prominent figures were honored for their unwavering support of Israel. David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, and Gilad Erdan, former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and current president of Magen David Adom, were among the distinguished honorees. Erdan, who received the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award, criticized the United Nations, stating that it has been “hijacked by regimes that plot genocide” and has betrayed its original mission of promoting peace. He urged the United States to reconsider its financial support of the UN, particularly its agencies that he accused of advancing anti-Israel propaganda.

Gary L. Schottenstein, a philanthropist and CEO of a real estate firm, was presented with the Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award. In his acceptance speech, Schottenstein expressed humility and determination, remarking, “When one receives an honor such as this, I believe it should not be viewed as a culmination of achievements but as an opportunity to continue striving to make the world a better place.” He encouraged Jews to take a proactive stance against antisemitism and to leverage their influence in media, finance, and politics to effect meaningful change.

A strong focus of the gala was on empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders and activists. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a student activist, received the Myron Zimmerman Award for Outstanding Student Activism. Jonathan Ginsburg, managing director of ZOA’s campus department, praised Kestenbaum and other young advocates for their dedication to educating communities about Israel and countering antisemitic narratives on college campuses.

Several students shared their experiences at the event, highlighting ZOA’s impact on their lives. Agam Halperin, a Yeshiva University junior, spoke of her firsthand encounters with global antisemitism and the importance of advocacy. Daniela Cassell, president of the Students Supporting Israel chapter at Pace University, emphasized the necessity of combating anti-Zionism and fostering a sense of unity among Jewish students. ZOA’s initiative to offer discounted tickets and donor-funded scholarships enabled many students to attend, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, engaged, and educated youth community.

One of the evening’s standout moments was the announcement by Alan Dershowitz of his new book, The Ten Big Anti-Israel Lies and How to Refute Them with Truths. The book, set to be distributed free of charge to over 100 college campuses, aims to equip students with the tools to counter anti-Israel rhetoric and defend the Jewish state with facts and reason. This initiative, alongside ZOA’s ongoing campus programs, reflects the organization’s proactive approach to addressing challenges faced by young Jews in academic settings.

 

The evening’s performances added a celebratory atmosphere to the event. Y-Tuds delivered stirring renditions of anthems and the hymn Acheinu, leaving the audience deeply moved. Kami Salman, an opera singer and representative for Masa Israel’s career and college programs, attended the gala to “support the ZOA and be a loud and proud Jew.” She added, “Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the need for Israel to stay as Israel. Nobody’s going to scare us out of having our homeland.”

The gala also drew high-profile figures from various industries, including Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, Friedlander Group CEO Ezra Friedlander, and Loews CEO James Tisch. Ruddy introduced Schottenstein with heartfelt praise, recounting their mutual connection through Donald Trump and their shared dedication to the Jewish state.

Steve Feldman, executive director of ZOA’s Greater Philadelphia chapter, spoke directly to young Jewish students, encouraging them to remain hopeful and prepared to work hard for their future. “Learn from reputable pro-Israel sources, develop informed policies, and share them with your peers, family, and even in the halls of government,” he urged. Feldman’s message of resilience and proactive engagement resonated deeply with attendees.

The evening concluded with a call to action from Morton Klein, who urged the audience to take pride in their Jewish identity and to never waver in their support for Israel. “We need to respond by being strong, proud, and powerful Jews,” he stated. “Build more Jewish institutions. Celebrate Jewish holidays. Teach your children to be proud Jews, and never stop fighting back.”

The 2024 ZOA Superstar Gala was more than an evening of speeches and honors; it was a rallying cry for unity, strength, and proactive engagement within the Jewish community. By celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and inspiring future leaders, the gala exemplified ZOA’s unwavering commitment to the Jewish people and the state of Israel. As the evening ended, attendees left not only with a renewed sense of pride but also with a shared determination to continue advocating for their heritage, their homeland, and their collective future.

Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Guide