March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Anti-Defamation League’s Centennial Gala Celebrates 100 Years Of Impact:

The Anti-Defamation League’s Centennial Gala Celebration at the Beverly Hilton Hotel welcomed about 900 people on Dec. 10. The event raised nearly $1.4 million to support ADL efforts to combat anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds.

Among the honorees were Barbara and Thomas J. Leanse of Santa Monica, who received ADL’s Humanitarian Award for excellence in their professional fields and community leadership. 

Thomas, a 30-year ADL supporter, accepted the Humanitarian Award with his wife, Barbara, spoke of how ADL’s mission aligns with his world view of “trying to make the world a better place as we pass through on our journey.” 

Referencing the Jewish Journal article that featured the Leanses and their philanthropy, Thomas urged all those in attendance to devote time or money to an important cause. 

“It is incumbent on all of us to help when we can,” he said. “You don’t have to do a lot, but you do have to do something.”

Barbara, whose social work career began with helping AIDS patients in the 1980s and now includes overseeing a diverse population of volunteers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, ended the evening with a poignant story about a volunteer who described her as being “there for him” and, thanked ADL “for accepting us all with our differences.”

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles provided musical entertainment and MC Mark Feuerstein of USA Network’s hit series Royal Pains provided comic relief and a healthy dose of Jewish humor.

Following a video welcome by President Obama, four spotlight speakers highlighted ADL’s continuing impact: UCLA student Sunny Singh spoke of all he learned when he visited Israel on ADL’s Campus Leaders Mission; Det. Chris Keeling of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department discussed the partnership between ADL and law enforcement; and high school teacher Katherine Friedman told of her experience bringing ADL’s Holocaust Education curriculum to her students.

In a particularly touching tribute, Los Angeles World Airports Chief of Police Patrick Gannon told of the chief of police at Ben Gurion Airport reaching out to him immediately following the Nov. 1 LAX shootings, which came days after Chief Gannon had visited Israel as part of ADL’s counter-terrorism training program in Israel.

There were numerous poignant moments throughout the evening:

· Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Irvine School of Law, presented the Jurisprudence Award to “my hero, George Kieffer.”  Chemerinsky explained that he holds Kieffer up as a role model of public service for his students.

· George David Kieffer, in accepting his award, credited ADL as a counterforce to hate – “not hating back, but pushing back against hate and bigotry through education and dialogue.”

· ADL Regional Board Chair Seth Gerber introduced ADL’s Centennial video, Imagine, and described how it allows us “to remember and honor the lives of individuals who have inspired so many of us to pursue justice and fair treatment for all.”

· ADL National Director Abraham Foxman, nearing his 50th anniversary with ADL, reflected on ADL’s 100 years at the “forefront of the struggle to protect the fundamental freedoms of all Americans.”   

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...