The Greater Philadelphia chapter of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has announced the names of the five people who will be honored at the pro-Israel organization’s annual gala in September.
The Greater Philadelphia chapter of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has announced the names of the five people who will be honored at the pro-Israel organization’s annual gala on Sept. 15.
Andrew C. McCarthy III, a contributing editor of National Review and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, will be presented with the Ben Hecht Award for Outstanding Journalism. The senior fellow at National Review Institute — who frequently writes about the Middle East — has been characterized by ZOA as a “staunch defender of the Jewish State.” McCarthy will serve as the gala’s keynote speaker, though all award-winners will make remarks.
Republican Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, a lifelong resident of Bucks County who is not seeking reelection, will receive ZOA’s Friend of Zion Award. Fitzpatrick served four terms during which he was consistently involved with Pro-Israel legislation, bills and resolutions.
The Guardian of Israel Award will go to Rabbi Steven Saks, the full-time spiritual leader of Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Congregation in Wilmington, Del., who was previously the pulpit rabbi at Adath Zion Congregation in Philadelphia. A two-time Volunteers for Israel participant and head of the Delaware Association of Rabbis and Cantors, Rabbi Saks, ZOA notes, “regularly leads pro-Israel events at his shul.”
Finally, Amy and Eric Clayman, Jewish communal leaders in Cherry Hill, N.J., will get the Pillars of the Community Award for the work they have done individually and as a couple to support the Zionist cause. Amy is president of the Jewish Community Relations Counsel of Southern New Jersey and serves on the Executive Board and Finance Committee for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Eric is immediate past president of Congregation Beth El Voorhees. Their leadership, ZOA notes, has brought “a steady stream of pro-Israel programs” to the South Jersey area.
The ZOA gala will be held at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, and will be emceed by radio personality Dom Giordano, of WPHT. Prior to the program, there will be a cocktail hour with food and drink. After the ceremony ends, there will be a dessert buffet. Dietary laws will be observed. General admission tickets are $180. For ticketing and more info, go here.
