The Grand Ballroom of the Ziegfeld in Manhattan shimmered with elegance and purpose on Sunday evening, November 9, as the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) hosted its sold-out 2025 Superstar Gala. The prestigious event drew an extraordinary gathering of political leaders, diplomats, philanthropists, and community advocates — all united by a steadfast commitment to defend Israel, combat antisemitism, and celebrate Jewish resilience and pride in an increasingly complex world.
From the first notes of the evening’s opening to the final standing ovation, the atmosphere was one of unity, courage, and gratitude — a vivid reminder that the Jewish spirit continues to shine brightly even in challenging times.
A Stirring Opening with Rita Cosby
The evening began with the moving renditions of the national anthems of the United States and Israel, followed by the vibrant welcome of Emmy Award-winning journalist Rita Cosby, who returned as master of ceremonies.
“Welcome to the most important, the most incredible Zionist event of the year, the ZOA Superstar Gala!” she declared, her words greeted by thunderous applause. Reflecting on the tragedies and trials faced by the Jewish people, Cosby urged the audience to remember the past while inspiring the next generation to stand strong:
“We must never forget what happened, and we must remind — especially the young — to stand up and say, never, ever again!”
In a deeply personal moment, Cosby shared her father’s story — a tale of heroism and moral courage that resonated deeply in the room.
“For me, this is very personal,” she said. “My father grew up outside the Warsaw Ghetto. He was a Polish resistance fighter who escaped from a Nazi camp — 90 pounds and six feet tall — one of the healthier ones. My father was taught that good people must stand together, and he risked his life bringing food and weapons into the ghetto. He was Polish Catholic, but he knew that the fight against evil is everyone’s fight. That’s why I will always stand with all of you.”
Her heartfelt words earned a standing ovation. “I am in the company of true heroes,” she said, smiling as she introduced the evening’s dinner co-chairs, Susan and Sheldon Good and Rhonda Small, who were recognized for spearheading the new ZOA Women’s Leadership Division.
A Tribute to Courage and Loss
Cosby paused to remember Charlie Kirk, who was slated to be a featured speaker before his tragic death in September. “He was a man of courage, a man who sought to bring people together,” she said solemnly. “We must never forget Charlie’s courage.”
Standing for Truth: Dr. Miriam Adelson and Rep. Elise Stefanik
The first video presentation of the night featured Dr. Miriam Adelson, who praised Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for her bravery and moral clarity in challenging university presidents about antisemitism on campus.
“You have the guts to say the truth,” Adelson said in her recorded remarks. “You showed courage to stand up for the Jewish people, for Israel, and for the free world. You are a great leader.”
Stefanik, who received the ZOA Maccabee Warrior Against Jew-Hatred Award, drew powerful applause for her speech condemning antisemitism on American campuses and in government.
“When I asked the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and Penn if calling for the genocide of Jews violates their codes of conduct, they said, ‘It depends on the context,’” she recalled. “Let me tell you — it does not depend on the context.”
Her words captured the outrage and resolve shared by many in the room, as she vowed to continue the fight for accountability and moral clarity. “This battle in New York is not just about values,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that every Jewish student — every New Yorker — can live without fear.”
Honoring Leo Terrell: Defender of Jewish Civil Rights
Next came an emotional presentation honoring Leo Terrell, Esq., Chair of the Department of Justice Task Force on Antisemitism, who received the Robert Kasowitz Defender of Jewish Civil Rights Award.
Introducing him was Marc Kasowitz, founder of the Kasowitz Benson Torres Law Firm, who described Terrell as “a man of principle and courage, leading the fight against antisemitism on our campuses and in our society.”
Kasowitz drew a stark comparison between his late father, Robert Kasowitz, who fought Nazis in Europe, and Terrell’s current mission:
“Like my father, Leo is fighting this war with courage, with principle, and with the power of the law. He will prevail.”
Taking the stage to sustained applause, Terrell spoke passionately about the moral responsibility of his role.
“It is fundamentally right that Jewish Americans are protected in the same way as all Americans,” he said. “This is not a Republican issue. It’s not a Democrat issue. It’s an American issue to fight antisemitism.”
He shared his personal experiences confronting the disturbing rise of anti-Jewish hatred across the country — from university campuses to corporate offices — and called on all Americans to take a stand.
“Anti-Semitism is metastasizing into our society,” Terrell warned. “It lurks in our cities, our schools, and even our corporations. It cannot be tolerated any longer.”
In a poignant close, Terrell lifted his cap — a tribute to Hadar Goldman, an Israeli soldier murdered and kidnapped by Hamas in 2014.
“I wear this hat to remember Hadar,” he said softly. “And tonight, I take it off — because Hadar is home.”
The room fell silent before erupting into an emotional ovation.
Ambassadors and Awards: Israel’s Voice on the World Stage
The night’s honorees also included distinguished Israeli diplomats whose words reminded guests of Israel’s enduring strength and purpose.
Ambassador Danny Danon, Israel’s former envoy to the United Nations, received the Steven Sass Award for Outstanding Diplomacy, emphasizing that “peace will only come when the world acknowledges the moral clarity of the Jewish state.”
Ambassador Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, was presented with the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award. In his stirring address, he affirmed:
“We are not conquerors or colonizers. Israel was given to the Jewish people by G-d, by the Bible, and under international law. Our right to this land is eternal.”
The statement drew one of the night’s longest standing ovations.
Morton Klein’s Call to Action: “No Appeasement, No Conciliation – Only Strength”
Closing the evening, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein — a passionate leader of the organization for nearly three decades — delivered a rousing speech that electrified the audience.
“Bigotry has been disguised as principle, hatred baptized as virtue,” he declared. “But we Jews arose from the ashes of Auschwitz, and we will rise again. The miracle of Israel proves that G-d keeps His promises.”
Klein vowed that ZOA would never waver in confronting antisemitism, whether on campus, in government, or in the media.
“This war is not about economics or politics,” he said. “It’s about hatred of Jews — and we will fight it with all our hearts and souls. There will be no appeasement, no dilution, only strength.”
A Night of Light in a Darkening World
The 2025 ZOA Superstar Gala was more than a dinner — it was a declaration. Through speeches, awards, and personal stories, attendees were reminded of the enduring strength of the Jewish people and the moral imperative to stand together against hatred.
As one guest reflected, “Tonight wasn’t just a dinner. It was a declaration — that we will not bow, we will not be silent, and we will never stop defending our people.”
Indeed, as the Ziegfeld lights dimmed, the message of the night shone brighter than ever: Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live.
🕯️ ZOA 2025 Superstar Gala Honorees at a Glance
🏆 Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award
Amb. Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Leiter
Israeli Ambassador to the United States
For his steadfast advocacy of Israel’s eternal right to its land and his inspiring leadership in strengthening U.S.–Israel relations.
🏆 Robert Kasowitz Defender of Jewish Civil Rights Award
Leo Terrell, Esq.
Chair, U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Antisemitism
For his fearless fight against antisemitism on college campuses and his defense of Jewish civil rights across America.
🏆 Steven Sass Outstanding Diplomat Award
Amb. Danny Danon
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations
For his unwavering representation of Israel on the world stage and his commitment to moral clarity in global diplomacy.
🏆 ZOA Maccabee Warrior Against Jew-Hatred Award
Rep. Elise Stefanik
House Republican Conference Chair
For her courageous leadership in exposing antisemitism in academia and her advocacy for Jewish students and the State of Israel.
🏆 Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award
Irit & Jonathan Tratt
Philanthropists and Zionist Activists
For their lifelong dedication to strengthening Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and advancing Zionist education.
Distinguished Presenters
Dr. Miriam Adelson • Marc Kasowitz • Steven Sass • Sid Rosenberg • Amb. Ofir Akunis • Rita Cosby (Emcee) • Morton A. Klein (ZOA National President)
By Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
