The American Society for Yad Vashem (ASYV), in partnership with The Jewish Life Foundation, hosted its third annual Salute to Hollywood Benefit Gala on Monday, June 6th, at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills. The inspirational evening brought together 350 new and returning supporters of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Emcee Mike Burstyn opened the event by introducing singer Michael Libow, who led the audience in the National Anthems and Holocaust survivor Jack Nagel for Hamotzi, the blessing over the bread. Leonard Wilf, Chairman of ASYV, kicked off the program by welcoming all of our guests. Among those in attendance were some of Yad Vashem’s most esteemed supporters – Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, Patrons of the Mount of Remembrance, Fela Shapell and the Shapell family who, along with David Shapell, z”l, are pillars of Yad Vashem, and Susanne, Edward and Elissa Czuker. Edward and Elissa served as the Gala Chairs and worked tireless to ensure the evening’s success.
Inspiration for this year’s ASYV Gala came from a new source in the Hollywood community. Last December, The Hollywood Reporter published its groundbreaking story, “Hollywood’s Last Survivors.” The writers inspired us with their treatment of each survivor’s story, demonstrating great care and respect for every individual name, photo, and memory. The beautifully written article mirrors Yad Vashem’s personal approach to telling the story of the Holocaust, and in so doing, furthers our goals of spreading knowledge of the Shoah to new audiences.
At the gala we were delighted to honor The Hollywood Reporter (THR), its President and Chief Creative Officer, Janice Min, and Executive Vice President and Group Publisher, Lynne Segall. Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation presented them with the Vanguard Award. In his remarks, Katzenberg said, “Lynne and Janice have challenged us to do better and to be better through this article, which shines a bright light so that we will not forget these stories.” THR and its staff are true champions of Yad Vashem’s mission to restore the memory and dignity of six million Jewish victims and the thousands of survivors alive today.
With deep appreciation for their contributions, we had the privilege of celebrating outstanding Holocaust survivors who have worked throughout their lives to further the cause of Holocaust remembrance and education worldwide. Branko Lustig, Oscar-winning producer of Schindler’s List, was presented with our Legacy Award by Phil Blazer, Founder and President of Jewish Life Television. Branko’s personal journey took him from Nazi death camps to triumph at the Oscars; in 2015 Branko presented his Oscar for Schindler’s List to Yad Vashem. Actor Tony Goldwyn presented Meyer Gottlieb, former president of Samuel Goldwyn Films, with our Legacy Award. In his moving introduction Goldwyn stated, “[Meyer] has never failed to speak out so that the sacrifices [of our people] are not lost to the sands of time. He is dedicated to affecting change in the world, so that the power of love and tolerance can subdue evil.” Both of these individuals have had a profound influence in the Hollywood community and were featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s article.
We also had the pleasure of honoring philanthropist David Wiener. A survivor of Auschwitz, David built his real estate empire from the ground up with hard work and determination. David is a true leader in the community—his generosity knows no bounds. Adam Milstein presented David with our Lifetime Achievement Award and the evening concluded with guests singing “Happy Birthday” to Wiener, celebrating his 90th birthday, and wishing him a huge Mazal Tov on his marriage the day before the event.
These three Holocaust survivors survived under such dire circumstances and have taught us the meaning of perseverance and determination. It is on their shoulders that we are able to thrive and hope for a better future. This message was brought home after hearing from Yad Vashem representative Irena Steinfeldt, Director of the Righteous Among the Nations Department. The Righteous, along with our survivors, have established a foundation of kindness and charity that we can only hope to emulate for generations to come.
Thanks to our generous supporters and new friends in the community, this was our most successful event yet in Los Angeles. We look forward to planting roots in the community and growing our Yad Vashem family.
