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Mort Zuckerman & 10 Wounded Israeli Army Veterans Honored at NY Gala

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Mort Zuckerman (right), onstage with 10 wounded Israeli soldiers and veterans, speaking at Monday night’s Belev Echad 4th Annual Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis. (Photo Credit: Bentzi Sasson)
(From left) Belev Echad Co-Founder and Co-Director Rabbi Uriel Vigler with Mort Zuckerman at Monday night’s gala. (Photo Credit: Bentzi Sasson)
(From left) Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Sgt. Nitzan Gehasi presenting Mort Zuckerman with the Belev Echad “Pillar of Courage Award” for his leadership in supporting Israel. (Photo Credit: Bentzi Sasson)

Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered Monday, December 8, at the New York Marriott Marquis to honor Mort Zuckerman and 10 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and veterans, most of whom were wounded in Operation Protective Edge in Gaza last year.

The gala was part of a 10-day tour of New York City for the wounded warriors organized by Belev Echad, founded by Rabbi Uriel Vigler and his wife, Shevy, and a host of supporters from the New York area. Belev Echad aims to show the Jewish people’s gratitude to IDF veterans for putting their lives on the line to protect and defend the Jewish State.

During their visit to New York, the Israeli veterans watched the Brooklyn Nets beat the Phoenix Suns, toured the U.N., and, in a special event, saw three planes trailing Israeli flags flying in formation over Manhattan.

“The brave soldiers of the IDF have made an unwavering commitment to the people and the sacred land of Israel,” said Rabbi Vigler. “These soldiers have all made huge sacrifices in honoring that commitment. It has been my pleasure introducing them to grateful and admiring members of the New York community and recognizing their heroism.”

After lighting the menorah, the 10 Israeli soldiers presented Zuckerman, a business leader and owner of Boston Properties Inc., the New York Daily News, and U.S. News & World Report, with the Belev Echad “Pillar of Courage Award” for his leadership in supporting Israel.

“There’s an old Jewish proverb that says, ‘When you have no choice, have courage,’” said Zuckerman. “Israel seldom has a choice and therefore must always be courageous. It is Israel’s determination to survive and its courage to flourish in the face of its enemies that we celebrate this evening.”

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