The Zionist Organization of America held its annual Florida Superstar Gala in West Palm Beach on March 30, where it honored Israeli and U.S. officials, as well as Jewish leaders. The event drew some 430 participants, a record attendance, according to the organization.
“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,” said Morton Klein, national president of the ZOA. “Each of our honorees fight this good fight in their own ways to strengthen Israel and defend Jews throughout the world.”
Honorees included Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations; Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); and attorney and political commentator Alan Dershowitz, a longtime professor at Harvard Law School.
Donalds, who in addition to his congressional seat is widely seen as the frontrunner for governor in Florida, lauded the ZOA.
“Your leadership has been exemplary in the United States in standing for Israel,” he said.
Donalds added, “You have a spine of steel, and I am grateful to receive this honor and be here with you this evening,” he said after receiving the group’s Robert Kasowitz Outstanding Patriot and Pro-Israel Congressman Award.
He added that “the U.S. government will not rest until every hostage comes home,” referring to the 59 people taken from Israel during the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, some living and some declared dead.
Danon, who was handed the Bernie Marcus/Michael Leven Award for Outstanding Pro-Israel Diplomacy, stated that “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 Oct. 7,” he said. “Stay proud, stay united, and we will prevail.”
