Israeli President Isaac Herzog awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor to Israel Bonds at a ceremony on Oct. 12 at the president’s residence in Jerusalem. Andrew Hutter, Israel Bonds’ U.S. and international chairman of the board of directors, and Dani Naveh, Israel Bonds’ global president and CEO, accepted the honor on behalf of the organization.
More than 100 members of Israel Bonds’ global leadership attended the ceremony, including representatives from the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Brazil.
“The proceeds from Israel Bonds have been used to build and develop our economy, to promote advancements in science and technology and to provide a vital network of support during times of crisis,” Herzog said. “This has never been more evident than during the past few years of uncertainty, loss, and courage, here in Israel, since Oct. 7.”
Hutter, an orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey, was elected chairman in February 2024, following more than two decades of involvement with Israel Bonds. He began in leadership roles in metro New Jersey, later co-founded the organization’s national medical division and led medical delegations to Israel. Before becoming chairman, he served as vice chairman and treasurer of the board. He has also chaired Israel Bonds’ Mentorship Program, helping develop its next generation of leaders.
Naveh is a former Israeli cabinet minister, a member of the Knesset and a prominent figure in the Israeli business and financial community.
Since 1951, Israel Bonds and its worldwide affiliates have raised capital for the State of Israel through the sale of Israel bonds, serving as a bridge between global investors and Israel.
Individuals and institutions around the world invest in Israel bonds to support Israel’s economic development.
Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), an entertainment industry non-profit, held its eighth annual “Ambassadors of Peace” (AOP) event, which honored industry leaders for their commitment to speaking out against hate and using arts and culture to bring people together.
This year’s honorees were rock icon and Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons; producer Erin Foster (“Nobody Wants This”); Kevin Weaver, president of Atlantic Music Group; producer Lynn Harris (“Clayface,” “Se7en”) and music executive Ethiopia Habtemariam.
The event was held at the Beverly Hills residence of Aton Ben-Horin, executive vice president of A&R at Warner Music Group, and CEO of Plush Management.
Artists and entertainment leaders from across the industry were in attendance, including Jerry Bruckheimer, David Foster, Haim Saban, Jody Gerson, Harvey Mason Jr., Elliot Grainge, Gary Barber, Perry Farrell, Lawrence Bender, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tom Corson, Val Blavatnik, Michael Rotenberg, Mark Beaven and David Zedeck, among many others.
Previous “Ambassadors of Peace” honorees include Eugene Levy, Diane Warren, Liev Schreiber and Scooter Braun. Many previous honorees were in attendance this year.
Among those paying tribute to this year’s honorees were actress Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Kiss co-founder Paul Stanley; producer Jerry Bruckheimer; and CCFP Chairman and Co-Founder David Renzer.
“Slogans are not solutions and we have to remember that they have real consequences,” Renzer said. “We must emphasize facts over misinformation, context over caricatures, debate over demonization, human dignity over hatred.”
“The strength of CCFP comes from the members of the entertainment industry who care about standing against hate,” CCFP Executive Director Ari Ingel said. “In an industry that celebrates diversity we cannot stay silent when Jewish and Israeli creatives are being excluded.”
The evening also featured heartfelt speeches from the honorees.
On Oct. 19, Hollywood celebrities participated in “Letters, Light and Love,” a stage production underscoring the centuries-old connection between Jews and the land of Israel. The event featured actors, musicians and others reading letters authored by historical figures as well as ordinary people that tell stories of Zionism and Jewish self-determination.
The star-studded cast at the event — held at UCLA’s Royce Hall—included actors Dustin Hoffman, Bob Odenkirk, Jon Lovitz, Jon Voight, Marlee Matlin and Emmanuelle Chriqui; musicians Gene Simmons and David Foster; producer Sherry Lansing; comedian Elon Gold; and UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk.
Former hostage Eliya Cohen, who was held in captivity by Hamas for 505 days, and his wife, Ziv Abud, also turned out, garnering a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd.
The event raised funds for the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Center, an Israel-based organization. The center provides emotional and therapeutic support for those whose lives were forever impacted by the Oct. 7 attacks.
Michal Noe and Sarah Sultman produced the show along with producer Lawrence Bender (“Inglourious Basterds”) and L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman as well as Jewish Federation Los Angeles. The show was staged with different casts in London and at Carnegie Hall in New York before coming to Los Angeles.
Sultman, who is based in the U.K., conceived of the show after visiting communities impacted by Oct. 7, 2023.
“Letters have a particular honesty,” Sultman said. “They capture people in the act of being human, hopeful, frightened, funny and loving. At a time when Jewish identity, Jewish history and even our right to tell our own story are being challenged, it feels more important than ever that we reclaim these voices and allow them to be heard.”
