ZOA Florida’s Heroes for Israel Dinner Paul Kruss, David Webb, ZOA Florida
Executive Director Sharona Whisler,
Former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,
Pearlson
50
Judy Pearlson, and Rabbi Eliot
night. In his presentation, Governor DeSantis
stated that his first trip abroad as governor will
be to Israel. He also proudly stated that when
looking into investment or collaborative opportunities
for the State of Florida, he makes
no distinction between the Israelis who live
in Tel Aviv and the Israelis who live in Judea
and Samaria. While guests continued to enjoy
their dinner, the evening’s emcee, David
Webb, welcomed everyone, giving special recognition
to the Holocaust survivors who were
present. He invited the crowd to rise for the
singing of the national anthem and Hatikva,
led by Temple Menorah and ZOA member
Dr. Lila Chertman.
Honoree Rabbi Eliot Pearlson took the
stage to give the invocation, ending with a
story about a Jewish billionaire who, on his
deathbed, requested to be buried in his favorite
socks, a request that was refused by the
chevra kadisha (Jewish burial society) after he
died. Later, the billionaire’s last will and testament
revealed a lesson to his family that you
can have anything money can buy, but you
can’t take even a pair of socks into heaven. His
message called for action while we are here
on this earth; he ended his address by saying,
“We must ensure that the land of Israel is forever
free and proud and forever strong, and
therefore, I challenge you to support the land
of Israel and support ZOA.”
ZOA Florida Executive Director Sharona
Whisler then gave a summary of ZOA’s important
work and invited Consul General Lior
Haiat to the stage to present the first award of
the night, ZOA’s Fuel For Truth Award – an
inscribed red glass flame – to Daniel Davis.
In his presentation, the Consul General talked
about the significance of having young people
like Daniel advocate on behalf of Israel. Directing
his words to Daniel, who was standing
beside him, he said, “Thank you for being one
of these visionary leaders, who will continue
to lead the Jewish people.” Daniel talked
about the impact that ZOA’s Fuel For Truth
(FFT) had on him, describing in detail the
way in which the program provides the necessary
tools in order to effectively engage in
advocacy and conversation on behalf of Israel.
Daniel encouraged his peers to participate in
ZOA’s FFT, and thanked its Miami founders,
Jennie and Eliott Rimon.
ZOA National President Morton Klein was
introduced by David Webb and gave the keynote
address. He shared several examples of
how ZOA stands out in its support for the
Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria,
and how the ZOA has been victorious in overcoming
the challenges facing the Jewish people.
In his final remarks, Mr. Klein gave a fiery
delivery of G-d’s promise from the Torah:
“And the People of Israel shall dwell in their
Holy Land for eternity in peace and prosperity.
We will prevail!” His speech received a
standing ovation.
Temple Menorah President Jeffrey Levine
presented the second award of the evening,
the Pillar of the Community Award – a colorful
cut-out piece of artwork depicting the
world’s three pillars of charity, prayer, and Torah
– to Rabbi Eliot and Judy Pearlson. Rather
than give an acceptance speech, the Pearlsons
were seated on stage while community leader
Paul Kruss presented then-Congresswoman
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen with the Zionist Hero
Award, a beautiful cut-out piece of artwork
with the word “shalom” in Hebrew, which
means peace.
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen joined the
Pearlsons in a “fireside chat” on stage and
David Webb engaged the honorees in a discussion
of take-away messages about Israel
The wallto
wall
filled room
of guests,
ranging in
age from
high school
students to
Holocaust
survivors,
welcomed
the governor
with a
standing
ovation
and cheers,
which
continued
throughout
his
speech and
throughout
the night.
Sharona Whisler, Governor Ron DeSantis
and ZOA National President Morton
Klein
Consul General of Israel in Miami Lior
Haiat, Daniel Davis, Esq. and Sharona
Whisler
Florida