A record 430 participants 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 Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Prof. Alan Dershowitz, Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, Lauren Gross 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, Barbara Feingold, extraordinary businessman/Zionist, major real estate developer Gary Schottenstein, and David Milstein, chief of staff to Gov. Huckabee, lawyer extraordinaire Marc Kasowitz. The event was emceed by Siggy Flicker, hosted by ZOA Florida Director Allison Zur, and featured remarks by Morton Klein.
“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.”
“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 7. 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.
Donalds, who in addition to his Congressional seat is widely seen as the frontrunner for governor in Florida, lauded the ZOA.
“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.”
This article was previously published in the Jewish Press.