By ZOA Staff
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA)’s 2025 Superstar Gala dinner on Sunday evening, November 9, was a resounding success, filled with memorable speeches, hundreds of enthusiastic friends and supporters of ZOA, good food and rekindled friendships. Both during the Gala and for days afterwards, attendees and others who heard about the Gala uniformly praised the Gala as fantastic.
The lovely, multi-talented, engaging, and articulate Rita Cosby was a phenomenal Emcee throughout the evening. The incredible lineup of awardees included Congresswoman and Chair of the House Republican Conference Elise Stefanik, U.S. Justice Department Senior Counsel and Chair of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Antisemitism Leo Terrell, Esq., Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon, Irit and Jonathan Tratt, and ZOA National President Morton Klein.
In addition, the eminent introducers of the awardees included Dr. Miriam Adelson, Dr. Ben Chouake, Sid “In the Morning” Rosenberg, Mark Kasowitz, Esq., Steven Sass, Henry Schwartz, Ali Meli and Morton Klein; and co-founders Susan Good and Rhonda Small launched the ZOA Women’s Division.
The Gala attendees remembered and movingly memorialized Charlie Kirk with a minute of silence and beautiful short film depicting Charlie and Erika Kirk in Israel.
Charlie Kirk had intended to speak at the ZOA Gala, prior to his tragic murder two months ago. The Gala attendees remembered and movingly memorialized Charlie Kirk with a minute of silence and beautiful short film depicting Charlie and Erika Kirk in Israel; Charlie speaking up for Israel in student exchanges, proudly holding the Israeli flag, and with his friend ZOA National President Mort Klein on Charlie’s radio show, during which Charlie spoke about walking the streets of Jerusalem together with Mort. The film concluded with a memorial candle in Charlie’s memory and the message: “ZOA deeply mourns the horrific murder of a great man, American patriot, friend, and Zionist ally, Charlie Kirk.” Morton Klein later told JNS: “When I asked him to speak, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. He was such a great supporter of Israel and never turned against it, as people are saying. It was a terrible loss for the world and the Jewish people when he was brutally murdered by that terrible human being.”
Dr. Miriam Adelson (on video), together with NORPAC president and ZOA Board member Dr. Ben Chouake and Morton Klein, presented the ZOA Mortimer B. Zuckerman Maccabee Warrior award to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Dr. Miriam Adelson praised Congresswoman Stefanik’s bravery and leadership, recalling: “When I heard you [Elise Stefanik] talking to the heads of the universities, I said to myself, ‘She has the guts to say the truth.’ My late husband, Sheldon Adelson, “used to say, ‘Stand up for what you believe in even if you stand up alone,’ and you showed us and all the world courage. You had the courage to do it, and you stood up for what you believe in, and it was fantastic. You are a great leader. You had the courage to stand up for the Jewish people, Israel and the free world. I hope to visit you in the office of New York governor next year after the election.”
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (video) received wild cheers from the crowd.
She declared: “It is humbling to receive this award from ZOA, which has stood for over a century as one of the great pillars of Jewish advocacy, Jewish identity, and Jewish strength. I want to especially thank Mort, who has been a fearless leader, standing up for Zionist principles and the Jewish homeland in the face of any and all challenges. Thank you, Mort. . . . When I look out across this room, I see an entire gathering of modern-day Maccabees. After all, the ZOA, at its heart, is an organization of Maccabees, of proud unapologetic defenders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. That example is exemplified by Mort and by board members like Dr. Ben and of course Dr. Adelson. And it is exemplified by tonight’s other honorees. All of my good friends . . . Every single one of these leaders has stood on the front lines, whether in public service, in education, in philanthropy, or in activism, standing up for the truth, the Jewish people, and for the values that bind our two nations together.”
Congresswoman Stefanik inspiringly spoke about the Maccabees of old: “Hanukkah, after all, is the story of a people who refused to surrender. A small band of freedom fighters who took a stand for their faith, their homeland, and their future. The Maccabees proved that courage, faith, and conviction can defeat tyranny and darkness.” And then she remembered and honored two New Yorkers – modern-day Maccabees – slain by Hamas, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, whose bodies were finally returned home and laid to rest the previous week.
Congresswoman Stefanik then spoke of her battles to help Israel, Jews on college campuses – including at the House Workforce and Education Committee hearing where she famously exposed the moral failings of top university presidents, and the current front in New York. She recounted: “I am proud to be one of the foremost champions of the Jewish people in the United States Congress, ensuring Israel’s right to defend itself and fiercely opposing efforts by some of my colleagues to undermine it. I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the American Jewish community and the people of Israel through war, terror, and tragedy.”
“But a few years ago, I realized that there was another front in this battle. A battlefield that we are losing and one much closer to home. University campuses where we saw a scourge and skyrocketing of antisemitism after Hamas’s terrorist attacks on October 7th.”
“‘Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate your university’s code of conduct?’ I expected them to say yes. But one after the other after the other said, quote, ‘It depends on the context.’ And the world heard. Let me tell you, it does not depend on the context.” – Rep. Elise Stefanik
“I will never forget that hearing. Did you all see that hearing? And it was a simple question and it was a question I did not prepare and I asked it expecting them to say yes. It was not a political question. It was a moral one and I asked it to the presidents of Harvard, MIT and Penn. And that question was this: ‘Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate your university’s code of conduct?’ I expected them to say yes. But one after the other after the other said, quote, ‘It depends on the context.’ And the world heard. Let me tell you, it does not depend on the context. It set off a global reckoning and delivered accountability in higher education that is still just beginning.”
“This seminal moment revealed a moral and academic rot at the heart of our most elite institutions. A rot that fuels antisemitism while pretending to champion inclusion. And because of that hearing and subsequent ones, many cowardly university presidents were forced to resign. And we have so many to go.”
“And that was only the beginning. This work is ongoing and we are exposing the truth about how antisemitism has been normalized and institutionalized in American higher education. We will not stop until accountability is real and until every Jewish student in this country cand walk across campus without fear. That fight continues.”
“And as I look around my beloved home state, I know there is another battlefield that now demands our and my focus, the one closest to home, right here in the state of New York. . . .”
“Because today, New York is not just a city and state in crisis. It is the epicenter of the battle for the very western values that have shaped America. The fight for democracy, for capitalism, for the dignity of work, for the belief that through effort and perseverance, anyone can achieve the American dream.”
“That fight now runs straight through our streets, our schools, and straight to city hall. These are the values that made the United States the greatest force for freedom in human history. And they are the very values that are now under attack. We know that we are at a tipping point when the most important city in the world elects an antisemite, defund the police tax-hiking communist as mayor. A mayor who openly traffics in sympathy for those who chant globalize the Intifada. A mayor who refuses to condemn the glorification of terror. Who has said that he would arrest Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Whose family history and political ideology is steeped in sympathy for suicide bombers and terrorists. A mayor who said Hamas should not lay down their arms. a mayor who campaigned with the unindicted co-conspirator of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed New Yorkers. This from the person who will lead a city with over 1 million Jewish people. And this mayor was endorsed by none other than the weakest and worst governor in America, Kathy Hochul. . . .”
Congresswoman Stefanik again drew inspiration from the Maccabees in her closing words: “My friends, the story of the Maccabees is not ancient history. It is a call to every generation to stand up when others shrink back, to speak truth when others stay silent, and to keep faith when the odds seem impossible. That is the spirit I see in this room tonight. That is the spirit of Jewish New Yorkers and Jewish Americans. That is the spirit that must and will save New York. So, let’s get this done. Let’s stand up for courage, the light, the truth, and let’s save New York State. Thank you. God bless you. God bless New York. God bless the United States of America. Honor to be here. Thank you.”
[Disclaimer: ZOA President Morton Klein reminded the crowd that ZOA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. Rep. Stefanik planned to speak at the Gala well before she announced her candidacy for New York governor.]Sid Rosenberg (pre-speech video) the charismatic star of the popular “Sid in the Morning” radio show (and a top ZOA Coalition candidate for the World Zionist Congress) spoke about his first visit to Israel after October 7, running and squeezing into a bomb shelter and thinking about how many times a day Israelis have to do this. He encouraged other Americans to visit Israel; explained that the Palestinians want to destroy us – not a two-state solution.” Sid then introduced Consul General Ofir Akunis.
Consul General of Israel in New York Ofir Akunis (video) profusely thanked and praised ZOA and its leadership. Ambassador Akunis thanked “my dear friend Mort, the ZOA Board of Directors, and the ZOA professional team for your resilience and determination, to always defend the Jewish nation and the State of Israel. You are doing it, no matter where, no matter what. You continue to share truth in a time when lies are taking over our society. So, on behalf of the State of Israel. My friends, it is no surprise that this great organization is the first to be established in the United States. And since then, continues to be a leader among the organizations here in the United States, advocating for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship without ever apologizing; training the next generation of proud Zionists to never apologize. And you are supporting our soldiers and communities during our toughest time. It has not gone unnoticed. Your contributions were fundamental to the establishment of the state of Israel. And my friends, true friendship is not only tested during the good times, but the tough times as well. And you are doing it, yes.” He also concluded his remarks with: “I am proud to be part of the Zionist [Organization] of America.”
Ambassador Akunis also spoke about the tough times Israel is facing, with attacks from leaders and countries, especially in Europe “who would rather stand with the cruel terror organizations than the only democracy in the middle east. This is unbelievable. . . They accused us of committing a genocide instead of those who burned whole families alive, raped hundreds of women, choked to death children, like the Bibas boys. . . .Look at the go-pro film that Hamas broadcasted on October 7. That is a genocide. . . . Don’t you dare criticize us for defending our people. “
Amb. Akunis added: “To make things worse, they decided to reward these monsters with the recognition of a so-called Palestinian state. I will continue to say it, like Mort knows, like Ambassador Danon and Ambassador Leiter, all of them know that I have been saying it since my first day in the Knesset 16 years ago, and now it is the official policy of Israel: There will never be a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria.” (The audience cheered wildly at this important statement.)
“It has been tried and it has failed. It was tried in 1947, and instead of accepting, they launched a full-out war. They don’t want a two-state solution. They want a one-state solution, one without the State of Israel. Peace is only possible when you have two sides that are truly willing to come to the table. Time after time after time after time, they won’t come to the table. So I want to ask these so-called democratic leaders who support them, do you want me to mention their names? I’ll do it, because you said yes. France, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and others. I want to ask them, are there human rights in this so-called state? Are LGBTQ allowed to walk freely in the streets? Do women have the same rights as men?”
Amb. Akunis also spoke of many great lights in this time of darkness, including the strong relationship with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu; Israel’s army of brave, resilient soldiers who are fighting for Israel and the values of the United States and the western world and civilization. He urged everyone to remain strong, proud and unified.
Marc Kasowitz, Esq. and Morton Klein introduced and presented the Robert B. Kasowitz Defender of Jewish Civil Rights Award to Leo Terrell, Esq.
Mr. Kasowitz mentioned Title VI cases that he and his law firm brought on behalf of Jewish students against several prominent universities. It is very gratifying for ZOA that law firms are now employing the Title VI rights that ZOA obtained for Jewish students. In 2004, when ZOA began its groundbreaking six-year battle, led by the Director of ZOA’s Law and Justice Department Susan Tuchman, to reinterpret the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections for Jewish students, many groups opposed ZOA’s efforts. Today, the rights that ZOA fought for are a key tool used by ZOA, allied organizations and law firms to help and protect beleaguered Jewish and pro-Israel students.
Leo Terrell, Esq. (pre-speech video, speech video), Chair of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, Senior Counsel at the Justice Department, and former popular Fox News contributor (“Leo 2.0”) appeared on stage with a red and white baseball cap emblazoned with the name Hadar Goldin. Hamas terrorists killed Hadar in 2014 during one of the many ceasefires that Hamas violated, during an operation in which Hadar was attempting to locate tunnels that Hamas planned to use to attack southern Israel. Hamas held Hadar’s body hostage for the past eleven years; he was the first Hamas hostage.
Mr. Terrell recounted that after Hadar Goldin’s mother Sarah and family met with him, so that the need to bring back Hadar’s body for burial would not be forgotten, Mr. Terrell made the cap with Hadar name, and also sent the hats to Hadar’s family. On the very same day of the ZOA Gala, Hadar’s body was finally returned to Israel for burial. In an incredibly moving moment on stage at the Gala, in honor of the return of Hadar’s body, Leo Terrell finally removed the baseball cap which had long reminded everyone to continue demanding Hadar’s return. He stated: “I’m taking the hat off tonight because Hadar is home. He is home.”
Mr. Terrell’s remembrance of Hadar Goldin was especially moving to ZOA, which had also long sought the return of Hadar’s body. For instance, when ZOA President Morton Klein met with the Qatari Emir and other officials in 2018 and presented them with ZOA’s fifty pages of demands, item one was “Help Obtain Release of Captive Israelis and Israeli bodies: Pressure Hamas to free any and all kidnapped Israelis to Israel, and to return the bodies of murdered Israelis, including the bodies of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.”
Leo Terrell passionately described his motivation to work 24-7 at the Department of Justice combating antisemitism on campuses and the growing problem of antisemitism in K-12 schools. He also called for an end to the “Jewish tax” – the enormous additional security costs that Jews and Jewish organizations incur daily to remain safe from antisemitic attacks. He urged that no group should be faced with such a tax. He also noted he shares the award with two great people – President Trump and Attorney General Bondi – who said “use every tool in the toolbox” for fighting against antisemitism.
Mr. Terrell explained: “It’s so simple because [antisemitism is] wrong. It’s absolutely wrong. . . . It is fundamentally right that Jewish Americans are protected in the same shape and manner as all Americans. It’s not a Republican issue. It’s not a Democratic issue. It is an American issue to fight anti-Semitism. . . . And it’s everywhere in the country. . . I will not compromise on fundamental rights. Jewish American students should have the same rights afforded to all students when they go to school. They should not be harassed. They should not be discriminated against. And that will stop under this administration.”
“This Jewish tax has to be eliminated. Jewish Americans should be given the same rights and freedoms to go to wherever they want to without having to pay that additional cost.” – Leo Terrell, Esq.
“I am sick and tired of the Jewish tax. . . . That is the additional cost of security for Jewish Americans to go to the synagogue, to go to school, to go to work. This Jewish tax has to be eliminated. Jewish Americans should be given the same rights and freedoms to go to wherever they want to without having to pay that additional cost.”
Mr. Terrell explained that the Trump administration has done a lot, but there is a lot more to do, and reminded the crowd about the Israeli staffers murdered in Washington DC, and fire burning of Jewish protestors in Colorado.
He continued: “Antisemitism happens every day across this country. And it cannot be tolerated any longer. . . . College campuses have been hijacked. . . . with antisemitic curriculum, lesson plans. But they have gone even further. These Jew-haters have attacked and have now infiltrated K-12. They’re taking the curriculum and they’re creating this Jewish hatred in K-12, first grade, second grade. We have to stop this throughout the country. You see, we cannot get confused with the idea that this is an East Coast, West Coast problem. This is a 50-state problem. Antisemitism and hatred is rampant. And what makes it even more insulting is the fact that it’s being supported and promoted by organizations and corporations.
“I don’t want to mention any names. CBS, NBC, Washington Post, New York Times. They look the other way. They create stories that try to put this hatred in some type of neutral position. No. It is pure hatred.”
“I have never in my lifetime seen this type of hatred. I taught it as a history teacher about World War II. But what the Jewish Americans are experiencing now is horrific. . . . This is something that we have to address now more than ever. So let me say this to you. I want to do more. . . . We need to expand the base of those individuals who understand that this is not a Jewish issue. This is not just an American issue. This is a Western civilization issue.”
“And people say, Lee, why are you involved in this? Why do you care? You know why I care? Because I love this country. And I love the understanding that religious freedom is applicable to all. I also understand the Jewish community has been friends to everyone. Yes, they helped create the NAACP in 1909. Yes, Jewish activists went to Mississippi in the 60s and fought for rights, civil rights for black Americans, Jewish Americans. And two of them, Goodman and Werner, were murdered in Mississippi in June of 1964, protecting the rights of black Americans. So I take this not only personally from the standpoint that it is our job, regardless of skin color, regardless of ethnicity, regardless of religion, to make sure everyone is afforded these rights. And that is why I take great pride in this job. And take great pride in making sure that all rights that I have, you should have, and everyone should have.”
Mr. Terrell added: “I love my job, but I want to be put out of business. We have to work hard to get me out of work. I need to go to the unemployment line. This job should never be needed. It should not be necessary. . . . God bless America. God bless Israel. God bless you.”
ZOA National President Morton Klein, presented the Justice Louis B. Brandeis award to philanthropists Irit & Jonathan Tratt.
Irit Tratt (video) warmly praised ZOA and her fellow awardees, beginning and concluding with. “Jonathan and I want to thank the ZOA staff and Mort Klein for this incredible honor, and more importantly, for all you do on behalf of Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. . . As an organization and under the stewardship of Mort [Klein], the ZOA has courageously defended Israel, while fighting against the disgusting lies being leveled against the Jewish state and the Jewish people. As we gather tonight, we hope you will consider continuing and growing your support for this wonderful organization.”
Ms. Tratt also spoke about the importance of addressing illegal and mass immigration and its dangerous consequences, explaining: “Jonathan and I were not born in America. And unlike the incoming mayor of New York City, who has shown nothing but contempt for the United States, we wake up every morning knowing how fortunate we are in the greatest country in the world. The Jewish people have had no greater friend in the White House than President Donald Trump. Out of all his policies, and we love his policies, Jewish Americans gain the most from the immigration reform implemented by this administration. While this country, before President Trump, was being governed by an autopen, our borders were left wide open, and along with illegal immigration exploding, mass legal migration was happening at record numbers. Foreigners were manipulating our asylum laws. Student visas were being doled out like candy. This is in large part how we arrived at Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City. As the late, great Christian Zionist Charlie Kirk once said, ‘immigration without assimilation is an invasion.’ Those who want to see a robust U.S.-Israel alliance, and care about the place of Jewish-Americans in this country must ensure that tightening immigration restrictions is at the top of our agenda. We are a tolerant and compassionate people. But that can’t come at the expense of our safety.”
Ms. Tratt also expressed her love for her children, and the dream of so many Jewish-American parents: “We can’t see you grow into committed Jews, patriotic Americans and proud Zionists.”
ZOA Board Member Susan Good by video and Rhonda Small introduced ZOA Women’s Leadership Division. Ms. Good explained: “The Biblical women of valor, Sarah, Miriam, Deborah and Esther, led boldly, inspired generations and shaped the future. Tonight, I invite women to continue that same legacy, for that same spirit lives within you. . . . Our women’s division mission is clear—to uphold Israel’s sovereignty, to strengthen Jewish philanthropy, to advance education and social good, and to stand united and fearless in a fight against antisemitism. The women’s division will be a movement of Zionist women across America, from all walks of life, who will unite, and connect women committed to making a powerful impact in their communities and beyond.”
Steven Sass (video) presented Steven Sass award for outstanding diplomacy to Amb. Danny Danon. Mr. Sass quickly obtained the crowd’s full attention, by starting his talk saying, “Wake up!” He continued his warning: “You, your friends, your neighbors, you’ve got to recognize the real threat against all Jews, and in fact against all rational people. Antisemitism and anti-civility are everywhere. And unlike those Jews of the 1920s and 1930s, we know what can happen, and we’ve got to wake up other people about this. Now, maybe you don’t want to own a gun, but take lessons; know what it is. Krav Maga is a great training ground, no matter what your age. You can do something about the problems and be ready for them. It was mentioned that it is 87 years since the Kristallnacht in Germany. . . .
“We have to be aware of a lot of things. I’m not sure if you know that the U.S. government, a government which I very much favor, but it apparently is close to welcoming leaders of Syria, into the fight against ISIS, despite the fact that the Syrian military is just swamped with jihadists and no telling what they will do.”
Mr. Sass then described ZOA’s long association with Ambassador Danon, and the Ambassador’s amazing career, including his two tours of duty as Israel’s Ambassador to the hostile UN, Israeli government ministries and leadership of the Betar movement. Mr. Sass noted: “Like ZOA, Ambassador Danon opposes establishing a Palestinian state. And like ZOA, Ambassador Danon supports extending Israel’s sovereignty to Judea and Samaria. What could be more Jewish than Judea?”
Ambassador Danny Danon (video) mentioned that in contrast to the U.N., being in a room full of devoted Zionists is a great experience. He also thanked Morton Klein “for your dedication and love and support.” And the Ambassador reiterated: “I want to thank the ZOA. For more than a century, you have been the guardians of proud Zionism in the United States. You defend Israel when it is fashionable and when it is not. When it is easy and when it is costly. When others are quiet, you stay loud, you stay clear.”
Amb. Danon described the heavy cost of the past two years: “Brave soldiers fought like lions to defend our people. More than eleven hundred brave soldiers, officers and reservists, have been killed since October 7. We carry their memory in our hearts.” He shared the story of Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, who fought on October 7th, pushing back the Hamas terrorists, and several months later, “left his wife, his children, his parents, and he went back to Gaza to rescue our hostages, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov. and Shlomi Ziv, taken from the Nova music festival. . . . He got into the building. He got the hostages out, but in the line of fire, he was injured. The hostages were extracted alive. When the flew back to Israel in the helicopter, the message was clear: ‘The diamonds are in our hands.’ The diamonds are the hostages. Unfortunately, Arnon was fatally wounded. He sacrificed his life. He gave everything for our country and for our people. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Just as the sacrifice of each and every soldier for Israel will never be forgotten. Tonight we salute them all.”
Amb. Danon rightly blasted the United Nations: “When I left New York in 2020, I didn’t think the UN could get any more hostile than it was. But believe me, every day they surprise me. Since October 7, the UN Security Council has not passed a single resolution condemning Hamas for its massacre. Not even one. They found time to have discussions about ‘genocide,’ starvation, all those lies. But we brought the voices of former hostages into the UN. We fought them. And my dear friend [U.S. Ambassador] Jeff Bartos, thank you so much for being with us, representing the US mission to the UN, together we fought to bring Mia Shem, Noa Argamani, Eli Sharabi, a few weeks after getting out from the tunnel, into the halls of the UN, so that the world would hear the unimaginable cruelty they endured. Week after week, we reminded the world, who started this war, and that it cannot end until every hostage is home.”
Ambassador Danon also condemned U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ failure to visit Israel even once since October 7th, despite heading “the organization which was established 80 years ago to prevent atrocities like October 7th.”
Amb. Danon also spoke of the legal warfare and diplomatic terrorism Israel faces from the ICJ, the ICC, and countries such as Norway and Ireland that bring resolutions against Israel.
Norway’s new initiative is to pass a resolution that will force Israel to work with UNRWA – a terrorist organization infiltrated by Hamas from before October 7th. Amb Danon vowed: “I will remind my colleagues at the UN that those teachers and medics in UNRWA collaborated with Hamas. I will remind them of Yonatan Samerano, zichrono levracha [may his memory be a blessing]. Yonatan was murdered and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. His body was paraded into Gaza on an UNRWA vehicle. His murderer was an UNRWA employee. You can see that video. You know, after this terrorist returned home, he was not met with justice. He was met with a UN paycheck. But don’t worry. We found him. We got him. He was eliminated. And when the ICJ advisory opinion will come to our vote in the General Assembly in about ten days, I will tell my colleagues that no advisory opinion of the ICJ, no report, no resolution will change our minds. Israel is done with UNRWA.”
“Israel has restored deterrence on multiple fronts from Gaza to Yemen to Iran. For this, we can be so proud of our soldiers, our sons and daughters, who showed the world that the days when Jews were massacred and there was no response are over. Not anymore. Today we have the IDF. We have the Air Force.” – Amb. Danny Danon
Amb. Danon also described positive changes in the middle east. “The fall of the Assad regime has created hope for a more peaceful and stable region. Israel has restored deterrence on multiple fronts from Gaza to Yemen to Iran. For this, we can be so proud of our soldiers, our sons and daughters, who showed the world that the days when Jews were massacred and there was no response are over. Not anymore. Today we have the IDF. We have the Air Force.
“We have proved that today we are capable of defending ourselves and securing our future. My friends, I am optimistic tonight about our future. Because in our region, strength earns respect.”
“. . . I meet with Arab ambassadors and they admire us after what we did in Lebanon, in Tehran. One of them approached me and told me, Ambassador Danon, I want to come to Tel Aviv to meet the guys who developed the pagers. . . .”
“As Israel’s ambassador to the UN, I am sort of a diplomatic weatherman. I am the first to sense when the atmosphere is changing before anyone says it out loud or before you hear about it in the news. I feel it in the way I am being greeted or not greeted, in the small differences in how I am spoken to, when ambassadors who once ignored me suddenly ask for a meeting. (And right now, I can tell you, the weather is shifting in our favor. . . . Moderate Arab and Muslim nations are signaling readiness. Kazakhstan is set to be the latest signatory to the Accords. . . . ”
“Quiet discussions about cooperation that once seemed impossible are becoming reality. Once we finish the job in Gaza, bring the four fallen hostages home, and ensure Hamas’s disarmament, it will be time to build again. . . .”
“The history books will remember October 7th as a day of tragedy. But it will also remember what the Jewish people did in the hours, months, and years that followed. Our nation stood united, resilient, and strong. Together, we will win. Together, we will prevail. Am Yisrael Chai.”
Henry Schwartz (video) presented the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award to Amb. Yechiel Leiter, inspiringly recounting: “Having made Aliyah as a teenager and later settling in Hebron to raise his family, Yechiel has lived the Biblical mission to settle and build our land of Israel. When he came back to America as a young representative of Yesha, I sensed that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey, one that would one day bring him to the center stage of Jewish destiny. . . . Yechiel, together with Chani, raised eight remarkable children, living proof of what commitment and faith can build.
“Yechiel is, without a question, the most inspiring speaker I’ve ever heard. His words flow effortlessly, infused with Torah wisdom and Zionist conviction, echoing a life that intertwines personal sacrifice with national purpose. His beloved son, Moshe, gave the ultimate sacrifice, falling in defense of our people in the earliest days of this war. That heroism, no doubt, was learned from his parents. It’s part of Yechiel’s very being. It’s the flame that fuels his historic mission today. As Israel’s ambassador to the United States, he is performing his role with courage, brilliance and unwavering devotion during one of the most critical periods in our nation’s history. Like Yechiel, we too must bring the vibrancy of the diaspora into Israel’s ongoing story. . . Yechiel and his son Moshe personified what it means to dedicate one’s life to Am Yisrael.”
Mr. Schwartz also praised ZOA President Morton Klein, saying: “Personally, I am unabashedly devoted to strengthening Israel through my work with ZOA and other Zionist initiatives. I am humbled by the tireless dedication and courage of Mort Klein, whose unwavering advocacy sets an example for all of us.”
The audience’s hearts went out to Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter (video). The ambassador’s beloved eldest son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, a paramedic and father of six, was killed while defending Israel in Gaza in November 2023.
Ambassador Leiter exuded strength, eloquence, dignity and humility. He humbly pointed to Israel’s brave soldiers as the true defenders of Israel, saying: “The only way I could receive such a distinguished honor [the ZOA Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award] is if I do so on behalf of the real defenders of Israel – the soldiers of Israel. The soldiers – over 900 – have given their lives over the past two years, and the hundreds of thousands who have served with distinction, some for 450 days. They left their families. They left their jobs. They fought like lions, in Gaza, Lebanon, over the skies of Teheran, over the skies of Yemen, and in places that we still can’t talk about. They’re the defenders, so on their behalf, I receive this award.”
Ambassador Leiter recounted that his letter to the U.S. Secretary of State presenting his credentials began with the line “I represent a people indigenous to the State of Israel.” The Ambassador explained that everything we have faced for two years and are facing today “comes down to that one sentence. . . . What we have to say, loud and clear, is that we are not conquerors, conquistadors, aliens, colonialists, or occupiers. The land of Israel and the people of Israel were born together.” (The audience cheered.)
He further explained: “Zionism is not a product of the nineteenth century. Political Zionism, in modern garb, is a product of the nineteenth century. Zionism, as depicting the unbreakable bond between the people of Israel and the land of Israel is the beginning of Jewish history. ‘Lech Lecha. Go forth Abraham, to the land which I will show you’ is where our history begins. That is where Judaism begins.”
“And it is high time that when somebody says to a Jewish audience, ‘I recognize your right to exist,’ or better, ‘I recognize your right to defend yourself,’ that they receive no applause. If you say to somebody from Belgium, ‘I recognize your right to exist,’ he’d laugh at you out of the room. If you said to someone from Burkina Faso, ‘you have a right to defend yourself,’ he’d wave his hand and walk away. Say to a Jew, ‘you have the right to defend yourself,’ and we say ‘thank you.’ Say to the people of Israel, ‘we recognize your right to exist,’ and we’re supposed to bow and say ‘thank you.’ There is one thing which must draw applause. We must drill this home to everyone speaking to a Jewish audience: ‘I recognize that the Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel.’” (There was more applause.)”
Amb. Leiter also recalled his son Moshe’s response when Amb. Leiter asked his son how he can carry sixty, seventy kilograms on his back during the IDF’s long hikes. Moshe said that he adds weight to his back – consisting of “the hopes and prayers and dreams of my bubbes and zaidies on my shoulders. That makes the weight that I’m carrying much easier to bear.” Amb. Leiter concluded: “And I say to you all, ladies and gentlemen of the great ZOA, add a little weight to your shoulders. Your people needs you. And the first weight you add to your shoulders must be ‘I represent a people indigenous to the land of Israel.’”
Ali Meli (video) warmly praised and introduced ZOA National President Morton Klein, saying:
“It is an honor [to stand here before you as a dedicated ZOA supporter] to introduce a leader whose commitment to Israel and the Jewish people has defined pro-Israel advocacy for decades. In a divided world, support for ZOA unites diverse voices through shared goals and common values, not mere opposition to common foes, but a deep conviction that you don’t need to be Jewish to protect Jewish lives. Focusing on these principles is vital today. They transcend backgrounds, prevent divisions, and drive cooperation against hatred.”
“Mort’s story is one of resilience and principled conviction. . . . In the late 1980s, his passion to combat anti-Israel bias drew him to the ZOA. In 1993, amid crises, his unyielding principles revitalized it from near collapse into a powerhouse. Effective as he stands by truth, protects allies, and refuses to compromise, Mort embodies timeless values. As Jewish teachings remind us, it is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither you are free to absolve yourself from it.”
“Do the right thing. Fight on the side of justice and trust God for the outcome. He channels Barry Goldwater’s spirit. Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Pursue righteousness without apology. Under his guidance, ZOA has been on the right side of history on every issue, in every instance, from voting against the disastrous Oslo Accords, opposing the Gaza withdrawal that empowered Hamas, advocating to defund UNRWA over antisemitic teachings, and rejecting the catastrophic JCPOA Iran nuclear deal. With major victories like US recognition of Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, the embassy relocation, defunding pay to slay, and affirming Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, Mort has testified before Congress and the Knesset, organized rallies, and earned accolades for defending Israel. Embodying never again, he fights antisemitism with truth. As antisemites seek to make a home on both the left and the right, from victories in New York mayoral elections calling to globalize the Intifada, to media personalities and pundits pretending to be conservative, while espousing antisemitism, even certain prominent organizations on the right are at risk of succumbing to this poison.”
“Our battle endures. We need Mort’s voice, more than ever.”
ZOA National President Morton Klein (video) began by emphasizing Israel’s right to her land, both religiously and under international law, and the illegality of a Palestinian Arab state. Mr. Klein explained: “There are 53 Muslim countries. There are 22 Arab countries. Most of these Arab countries were put together haphazardly by certain important nations. Israel was given to the Jewish people by Hashem, by G-d, by the Bible, and under international law. The UN Charter, Article 80 . . . this is international law, prohibits the UN from transferring rights over any part of Palestine to any non-Jewish entity, such as a Palestinian state. UN resolutions that contradict this Charter are void. That’s why there’s no Palestinian state. It’s against international law. So, as long as Israel says ‘no’ to a Palestinian state, there can’t be a Palestinian state, or it would violate international law. We should realize that and understand that.” The audience cheered.
Mort Klein then described ZOA’s recent efforts to fight against the head of the Heritage Foundation, Tucker Carlson and American neo-Nazis. Mr. Klein explained: “Unlike most Jewish groups, we the ZOA, we push back against the lies and the hatred, as we always have by going on TV, radio, op-eds, speeches on campuses, Capitol Hill, and in the courts. We do everything we can. Lately, we have fought against the Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation has embraced Tucker Carlson, Tucker Carlson used to condemn Pat Buchanan for being an anti-Semite. . . . Now Tucker Carlson says that Christian supporters of Israel have a brain virus and they’re committing heresy against Christianity. He [Carlson] said, I dislike them more than anyone. He accuses Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, thank you, Secretary of State Rubio, [Secretary of Defense Pete] Hegseth. He is accusing them of a brain virus and being heretical to Christianity. It’s nonsense.”
“He [Tucker Carlson] accuses Americans who fought to support America destroying nukes in Iran as warmongers. And he condemns . . . those who fought against destroying the nukes, he calls them peacemakers.”
“But not only does he [Tucker Carlson] make terrible statements against Jews himself, he brings on a half a dozen of the most vicious, maniacal, crackpot anti-Semites the world knows. These people deny the Holocaust. They praise Hitler as being cool and awesome. They praise Stalin. They attacked Charlie Kirk for being pro-Israel.”
And unlike, when he interviewed Ted Cruz, who was very pro-Israel, he [Carlson] attacked Cruz, condemned Cruz, debated Cruz. When these people [Hitler admirers, etc.] made these outrageous statements, he [Tucker Carlson] suddenly was silent. He either nodded in approval or said nothing, acting as if the people are making valid points, which, of course, they’re just a bunch of crackpot Jew-haters.”
“And Kevin Roberts of Heritage called people who criticized Tucker Carlson ‘venomous people who have another people’s agenda.’ He accused Jews of dual loyalty, another people’s agenda, Israel’s agenda. It’s total rubbish. We [ZOA] went to war against him [Roberts]. Op-eds, TV, radio. We said you must retract, apologize, and condemn Tucker. You must end relations with Tucker, or you must resign yourself. Because of ZOA and others, the Esther antisemitism program at the Heritage Foundation has now severed all relations with Heritage.”
They’re gone. And there’s an increased effort to ultimately dismiss this man [Kevin Roberts] as well.”
Mr. Klein then described the demographic changes resulting from open borders and the dangerous normalization of Jew-hatred that led to Mamdani’s election; our fight against Jew-hatred; and G-d’s miracles for the Jewish people and Israel:
“With respect to the election, . . . only 50% of the New Yorkers voted for this guy. That’s very unusual. Mayor elections, you get 60, 70% of the vote. So he only got 50%. And we must understand the demographics of New York have changed. Because of open borders, the number of Muslims in New York has gone from 10 years ago 100,000 Muslims, to a million. Yes, the demographics have changed. The people of America has not changed so much, but the demographics have changed. That’s what happened. And also large numbers of conservative right-of-center people have left New York, moved to Florida and elsewhere. You had a totally different demographic. That explains one of the reasons this vicious, communist, racist, Jew-hating, Israel-bashing monster was elected.”
“And what’s frightening, though, there’s a huge danger that Jew-hatred and Israel-bashing has become a badge of conscience and enlightenment. There’s been a moralization and legitimization and mainstreaming of bigotry against Jews. Bigotry is disguised as principle. Hatred is baptized as virtue. Hostility to Israel now indicates decency and high morals. We at the ZOA will fight these dangerous and monstrous lies with all of our hearts and souls. No appeasement. No conciliation. Only a war against this racist hatred of the Jewish people.”
“As Barbara Tuchman said, the rule of human behavior is that yielding to an enemy’s demands does not satisfy them, but by exhibiting a position of weakness, it augments the enemy. It doesn’t terminate hostility, it excites hostility.”
“Our Torah teaches us to fight Jew-hatred. Be strong, proud, and powerful Jews. Work to strengthen the Jewish state, raise proud Jewish children, give them a Jewish education, attend synagogue, build Jewish institutions, and tell your kids to marry Jewish people. Reduce the amount of intermarriage. We need more Jews, not less.”
“We Jews arose from the onslaughts throughout the Middle Ages, from the pogroms in the 1800s. We miraculously arose again from the ashes of Auschwitz. [We] reestablish[ed] our beautiful state of Eretz Israel in 1948. This is really the lesson of our history, that the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people, with our belief in ourselves, in our culture, in our talent, in our Torah, in Almighty G-d, we can never be destroyed, for G-d promised we would be an eternal people. And unlike politicians, G-d keeps his promises. So the miracle of a Jewish state, due to another miraculous victory against great odds, a victory over 40 million Arabs in 1948, where the Jews were vastly outnumbered and out-armed, and yet overcame and defeated those who would destroy us.”
“As we are in our 78th year of reestablishing the state of Israel, we who care about and love the Jewish state of Israel, we have to continue to believe in miracles, because that is the history of our people. One miracle after another that we could not foresee, that saved us and promoted us and protected us. Who would have believed that Israel, which began with 600,000 Jews 78 years ago, would now have 9 million people with 7 million Jews in Israel? That is a miracle. Who would have believed that almost 80 years ago, there was 6% of the world’s Jewish population was in Israel, and today, in 2025, half of the world’s Jews live in Israel. It’s a miracle.”
Who would have believed that Israel would make the desert bloom, just as the Torah promised us? The Torah says the Holy Land will remain barren until the Jews return. And that’s just what happened. It’s a miracle. If people wrote the Bible, the Torah, they wouldn’t write it will remain barren, because suppose things grow, then you can throw the Bible out the window. Only G-d, who controls history and controls land, He’s the one who said it will remain barren, and so it has.”
“The story of Gush Katif, Gaza, proves this. The land the Arabs called accursed. As soon as the Jews came to this land in Gaza, they began to yield the most beautiful fruits, flowers, and plants. The tiny portion of land in Gaza yielded at one time most of the agricultural exports of Israel, this barren land. Yet when the Jews left, the land became useless again. It became barren again. Even the insects participated. The vegetables that had once been famously bug-free began to develop bugs. The thriving business of Gush Katif languished in the hands of the Arabs. Even the managers who worked under the Jews, the Arab managers, and had all the expertise to make it go, couldn’t. The land did not cooperate, because G-d controls history. This is an extraordinary miracle, proving the truth of the Bible. It’s enough to make you lay tefillin, and keep Shabbos, and keep kosher, and start to daven every day.”
“And who would have believed that two years since this war began, Israel has degraded Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria. It’s a miracle from G-d that this could happen. No one could have predicted this two years ago.”
“And who would have believed that we now have more students studying in yeshivas in Israel than at any time in Jewish history. It’s a miracle. And who would believe that for the first time in history, a country would bring black people, to its shores, to its country, Ethiopian Jews, not to be slaves, but to be a free and proud people. That country is Israel, and I am so proud of Israel for doing that”.”
“And who would believe that after 2,000 years of dispersion, there are now 500,000 Jews in the Holy City of Jerusalem, 500,000 Jews or more in the Holy Land of Judah and Shomron, given to the Jewish people by the Lord our G-d, King of the Universe. And after 2,000 years, we Jews have sovereignty over all of the historically holy Jewish city of Jerusalem, never to be divided again, and that is a miracle.”
“Let me assure you, together with Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces, ZOA will blow and blow and blow its horn for the Jewish people and for Israel . . . and the Jewish people will prevail.” – ZOA National President Morton A. Klein
“We at ZOA will live by the Midrash on Esther, which says, if you keep silent now, if you refrain from protesting on behalf of your brethren, then woe to you in the day of judgment, for you had the opportunity to act, but did not. We will act. As the prophet Ezekiel said, ‘If the watchman sees the sword advancing against the Jews and doesn’t blow his horn, so that the Jewish people are not warned and the sword comes and destroys even one Jew, I, said God, will demand a reckoning if you don’t protect your people. Let me assure you, together with Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces, ZOA will blow and blow and blow its horn for the Jewish people and for Israel. We’ll blow the horn relentlessly, continuously, tirelessly, courageously, and the Jewish people will prevail.”
“We have to be strong and not be afraid, for G-d is with us. The cause of Israel is moral and is just. We must act and speak out with courage. Truth and justice and G-d are on the side of Israel and the Jewish people. With your help, with the strength and will of the Israeli people, with the strength and power of the IDF, and with the will of Almighty G-d, new miracles will happen that we cannot foresee, and these miracles will ensure that the people of Israel shall dwell in their holy land for eternity.”
“We will prevail. Thank you very, very much.”