By Barrett Holman Leak
SAN DIEGO — On a chilly midwinter evening when it would have been very comforting to have a warm evening at home, some 250 people gathered at Congregation Beth Israel for a cozy gathering celebrating being unapologetically Zionist at the Israeli American Council gala.
The parking facility was quite packed as I was entering and so was the courtyard where I was one of about 250 attendees on Thursday, Jan. 9. I was delighted to see so many familiar faces from our Jewish community: Dan. Margarita. Sharona and Yehuda. Rabbi Nevarez. Diane. Albert and Mirka. It was elegant, full of joie de vivre and warmth as we sipped cocktails, noshed on elegant cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and chatted.
After a rousing opening of community singing of the U.S. National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” and the Israel National Anthem, Hatikvah, IAC Chair Doron Malka greeted us and introduced Elan S. Carr, CEO of the Israeli American Council. Carr briefed the gathered audience on the hundreds of thousands in the IAC community countrywide who have been out in force since October 7, 2023. Carr explained that the IAC is focused on educating the next generation about antisemitism so they never forget who they are as Israeli-Americans.
“You want the best weapon in the world (against antisemitism), the most strategic weapon? It’s pride. And it’s commitment, And it’s identity” said Carr.
The IAC has educated nearly 2,000 in the Jewish community about Israeli and Jewish identity since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Nationally, Carr said, the IAC has educated nearly 3,000 public school teachers about antisemitism.
The evening’s focus was on giving the Unapologetically Zionist Award to several people who have been outstanding in promoting Zionism and Israel. Among them were Karen and Michael Aron. As Michael Aron accepted their award, he encouraged us to continue educating the generations to have knowledge about and pride in Israel and Jewish Identity.
“In our homes, we should have Israeli flags, Israeli art, Judaica, Israeli movies”, he said “Let it become part of their essence, the fabric of life”.
Another awardee, Nadav Hazan (along with his wife Gabrielle Hazan) told about meeting a wounded IDF soldier and his mother. He revealed how close he had become to the soldier and how that soldier had come to San Diego and Nadav helped him obtain a new prosthesis for his leg.
It was impossible to not be inspired and excited about the things IAC and its supporters have accomplished.
The main keynote speech, given by educator and Israel Prize recipient Miriam Peretz, brought a standing ovation.
“Zionism is the glue that binds us all together. It does not matter if you are religious or secular, leftwing or right-wing, Ashkenazi or Sephardi, living in Israel or abroad,” Peretz continued, “Zionism is the codeword of the Jewish people. It crosses continents, communities and origins.”
Then she drove home her point:
“It is the knowledge that if my brother calls for help, I will stand by him immediately!. It is the hope and the belief that the Jewish people’s right to a homeland. Zionism is our shared dream.”
The vibe of the room was profoundly heartening as she spoke of being resilient, of choosing to rise from destruction every day and do what needs to be done instead of staying down in the aftermath of October 7, 2023.
“But we can live their spirit, their values. Choose life.” Peretx implored. “Their loss has no meaning if we do not keep going.”
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Barrett Holman Leak is an author, educator, and community organizer.