ZOA National President Morton A. Klein released the following statement:
A record overflowing crowd joined the annual Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) Florida Superstar Gala in honoring a who’s who of Israeli and U.S. government and Jewish communal leaders. The event took place at the prestigious Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Palm Beach, Florida.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Prof. Alan Dershowitz, Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, Lauren Gross and student speaker Mia Blachman were feted at the event, each of whom were celebrated for their staunch support for Israel and fight against rising antisemitism. Presenters included renowned commentator, author and TV/radio talk show host Mark Levin, distinguished businessman/Zionist Mike Leven, philanthropist Barbara Feingold, extraordinary businessman/Zionist, major real estate developer Gary Schottenstein, and David Milstein, chief of staff to Gov. Huckabee, lawyer extraordinaire Marc Kasowitz.
“There has never been a more critical time in our history for increased vigilance in the defense of Israel and in fighting the scourge of antisemitism in our generation. Each of our honorees fight this good fight in their own ways to strengthen Israel and defend Jews throughout the world,” said ZOA National President Morton Klein. “This was our most successful South Florida event and is indicative of the times in which we live and the growing recognition that the ZOA is the only Jewish organization with the clarity and conviction of message to advocate on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people.”
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein
“The days of defending terror are over. We are dismantling Hamas leadership one by one. We are successfully fighting the Houthis. Hezbollah is not what it once was. Our enemies thought they could destroy us, but instead, they have unleashed the Lion of Judah. Israelis and Jews are more united and strengthened after October 7th. Stay proud, stay united and we will prevail,” said Danon, who received the group’s Bernie Marcus / Michael Leven Award for Outstanding Pro-Israel Diplomacy.
Amb. Danny Danon, Michael Leven, Mort Klein and Allison Zur, ZOA Florida Director
Donalds, who in addition to his Congressional seat is widely seen as the frontrunner for governor in Florida, lauded the ZOA.
“Your leadership has been exemplary in the United States in standing for Israel. I thank you for your leadership and your visionary defense of Israel. You have a spine of steel and I am grateful to receive this honor and be here with you this evening,” he said after receiving the group’s Robert Kasowitz Outstanding Patriot and Pro-Israel Congressman Award. “The U.S. government will not rest until every hostage comes home. And, as someone who will be the next governor of Florida, I want you to know Israel and the ZOA will always have a friend in me. We will stand against antisemitism and hate. It will not be tolerated in Florida. It will be fought, and we will win.”
Barbara Feingold, Cong. Byron Donalds, Marc Kasowitz, Mort Klein, and Allison Zur
Lauren Gross, the director of the Gross Family Center for the Study of Antisemitism and the Holocaust, received the Zionist Heros Award. Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, the dynamic spiritual leader of the Palm Beach Synagogue, received the ZOA Pillar of the Community Award. Professor Alan Dershowitz received the Louis D. Brandeis Defender of Israel Award. Also recognized were author and radio host Mark Levin and distinguished philanthropist and real estate pioneer Gary Schottenstein.
David Milstein, Lauren Gross, Allison Zur and Mort Klein
Gary Schottenstein, Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, Mort Klein and Allison Zur
“I was pleased and honored to accept the Louis D. Brandeis Defender of Israel Award from the Zionist Organization of America at their wonderful Florida Gala,” said Dershowitz. “This award could not come from a more appropriate organization. Justice Brandeis served as President of the ZOA during a crucial time for the future of the Jewish People. I want to thank the current ZOA President and my friend, Mort Klein, for bestowing this award on me. Mort has spent a lifetime fiercely defending Israel and Zionism. The handsome Brandeis Award now sits on my windowsill in Manhattan, between busts of Herzl and Churchill, where Justice Brandeis very much belongs.”
Allison Zur, Mark Levin, Alan Dershowitz and Mort Klein
“The student who spoke at this gala really exposed the horrific antisemitism on campuses and I thank Mort and ZOA for their great work in fighting antisemitism and fighting for Israel,” added Levin.
Student Speaker Mia Blachman and Mark Levin
Founded in 1897, the Zionist Organization of America is the oldest pro-Israel organization in the United States. The ZOA works towards strengthening US-Israeli relations through educational activities, public affairs programs, advocating on Capitol Hill, and by combating anti-Israel bias in the media, textbooks, and on campuses. The ZOA is dedicated to educating the public, elected officials, media, and college/high school students about the truth of the ongoing and relentless Arab-Islamic war against Israel and the Jewish people.