The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), one of the world’s foremost Jewish human rights organizations, hosted its 2025 Humanitarian Award Dinner on September 9th at the Altman Building in New York City. The sold-out event welcomed more than 400 distinguished guests, including community leaders, dignitaries, philanthropists, and supporters of the Center’s mission. The evening paid tribute to this year’s honorees for their outstanding contributions to promoting human rights, combating antisemitism, and advancing social justice, while also celebrating the Center’s ongoing global initiatives in education and advocacy.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Jim Berk, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who set the tone for the gala:
“It’s an honor to be with you tonight on behalf of our Board of Trustees, led by Chair Dawn Aaron. Tonight, we celebrate three extraordinary individuals who, each in their own way, are standing up for the Jewish people, defending Israel, and promoting tolerance at a moment when leadership is needed most. Each exemplifies the courage, compassion, and pursuit of justice that guides the mission of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.”
Berk reflected on the growing tide of antisemitism worldwide, sharing both personal concerns as a parent and grandparent and the collective challenges facing Jewish communities. He reaffirmed the Center’s mission—to confront hate, defend the Jewish people, and educate the next generation—while outlining ambitious initiatives, including:
- Mobile Museums of Tolerance reaching students across the U.S.
- Advocacy programs in New York City and Albany
- A $30 million modernization of the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles
He also spotlighted the Center’s storytelling work through film and media, announcing the upcoming release of One Day in October, a powerful anthology series recounting true stories of resilience from the October 7 terror attacks in Israel.
With that backdrop, the Center began its program of honorees.
Medal of Valor – Sabine Taasa
Introduced by Richard Berk as “the very embodiment of courage,” Sabine Taasa received the Medal of Valor for her extraordinary strength and resilience following the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel.
That day, Sabine lost both her husband and her eldest son while protecting her younger children. Despite unimaginable grief, she has transformed her pain into advocacy, becoming a global voice for truth and resilience.
In her remarks, she shared: “I lost my husband and my son… This is the wake-up alarm. We cannot allow antisemitism and hate against the Jewish people—here in the U.S. or in Israel. Please help us. We cannot accept another Holocaust. You have the power and the responsibility to act.”
Her words—both heartbreaking and inspiring—drew a standing ovation and reminded all present of the human cost of hate and the urgent need to fight it.
Medal of Valor – Martin Rosen
The Center also honored Martin Rosen, a longtime champion of justice, who played a pivotal role in advancing Simon Wiesenthal’s mission—including advocating for the abolition of the statute of limitations on Nazi war crimes and helping establish the Center itself.
Accepting on his behalf was his granddaughter, Samantha Stern, who spoke movingly of Rosen’s influence:
“In fifth grade, we had to write about our hero. All of us—my brothers, cousins, and I—chose the same one: Grandpa. We were in awe of his stories, from World War II to his years as mayor and attorney. But his proudest accomplishment was his work with Simon—ensuring his legacy would endure.”
She shared that just last week, the Rosen family celebrated Marty’s 100th birthday with his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. At that dinner, Rosen told her, “The lesson of Simon Wiesenthal is that one person, if they want to and if they try, can make a difference. For me and my family, the lesson of Marty Rosen is the same. He has made a difference.”
Next-Gen Jewish Leaders
Berk also highlighted the Next-Gen Jewish Leaders Program, calling it “unlike any other.” He emphasized that this initiative is not just a summer internship but an investment in the future of Jewish advocacy.
Through internships, mentoring, and training, the program empowers students to return to campus as advocates, allies, and leaders on the front lines—combating antisemitism, defending Israel, and promoting dialogue. The evening welcomed both alumni and current participants, as well as students from partner organizations such as Students Supporting Israel.
Humanitarian Award – Marc Utay
The evening’s Humanitarian Award was presented to Marc Utay, honored for decades of leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission.
Berk praised Utay as more than a philanthropist: “Mark doesn’t just write checks. He invests his capital, his time, and his soul. He understands that antisemitism cannot rest on Jewish shoulders alone—it is a universal struggle. Through his leadership, he has championed education as the most powerful answer to hate.”
In his acceptance, Utay reflected on his 40-year journey with the Wiesenthal Center. He recalled first hearing Rabbi Hier speak at a New York dinner decades ago, inspiring him to dedicate himself to the cause.
Utay warned of the rise in antisemitism from both the far right and far left, stressing that Jewish students in particular face hostility unseen in generations. He outlined three lessons that guide his work:
- The importance of standing against all forms of hate—not just antisemitism.
- The Center’s unique ability to communicate effectively and reach diverse audiences.
- The need to constantly adapt strategies to meet new and emerging challenges.
Calling this struggle “the challenge of our generation,” Utay urged the audience: “It’s all hands on deck. We need everyone’s participation to confront it.”
Closing Reflection
The 2025 Gala was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people, the strength of memory, and the responsibility to act. From survivors like Sabine Taasa to visionaries like Martin Rosen to philanthropists like Marc Utay, each honoree illuminated the Center’s mission: to transform history into action, ensuring that hate finds no home in the generations to come.
As the program concluded, guests were warmly invited to enjoy a dessert reception featuring an assortment of sweets, coffee, and tea and a chance to celebrate community, friendship, and the shared commitment to building a future free from hate.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
