Jason Alexander, known for his roles on Broadway, film and as George Costanza in “Seinfeld” will emcee Israel Cancer Research Fund’s (ICRF) Ribbons of Hope Virtual Gala on Aug. 5.
Joining Alexander will be broadcasting legend Tom Brokaw, Nobel Laureate Professor Aaron Ciechanover, actor comedian Eugene Levy and Tony-award-winning songwriter Benj Pasek, among others. The star-studded evening will help support ICRF’s mission to fund the best and brightest cancer researchers in Israel.
“They say laughter is the best medicine. But you know who says that? Comedians,” Alexander said in a statement to the Journal. “The best medicine is actually the product of brilliant cancer researchers working diligently and tirelessly in labs in Israel and across the world. That’s why I am so honored to contribute in some small way to this important cause.”
The evening will combine comedy and song, as well as special presentations by cancer survivors and Israeli cancer scientists. ICRF-funded scientist Professor Aaron Ciechanover, will also speak. Ciechanover, Drs. Avram Hershko and Irwin Rose, received the 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition of their groundbreaking research on the Ubiquitin System, the body’s method of removing damaged proteins.
The Israel Cancer Research Fund is the largest charitable organization outside Israel devoted to supporting cancer research in Israel.
During the 50-minute celebration, viewers will be able to make online donations and place bids on an online auction, which will open on the gala site the week of July 27.
“We hope to inspire hope for cancer patients and their families worldwide and, for the benefit of all humankind, generate critical dollars in support of Israel’s brilliant cancer research,” ICRF President Rob Densen said.
ICRF National Executive Director Dr. Mark Israel, said that while the ICRF is currently working on more than 70 different cancer research projects, they can’t ignore the coronavirus pandemic that continues to “loom large in all our lives.
“It threatens not just our collective sense of well-being but, going forward, ICRF’s ability to fund world-class, life-saving cancer research,” Israel said. “We will beat back the scourge that is COVID-19. In the meantime, we cannot allow it — for our sake, our children’s sake, and our grandchildren’s sake — to steal the future of Israeli cancer research.”
The Gala is on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. PT. To register, visit the website.
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