Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, executive director of World Values Network (WVN), announced on February 1 that his organization will celebrate the solidarity of Black and Jewish Americans at the Ninth Annual Champion of Jewish Values International Awards Gala. WVN is based on the teachings of Boteach and his passion for bringing universal Jewish values to mainstream American culture.
The gala, which will take place on February 18, will honor Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, television personality Steve Harvey, Motown legend Dionne Warwick, President and CEO of the National Association for Investment Companies Robert L. Greene, personal health guru Dr. Mehmet Oz and Urban Technology Center founder Patricia Bransford. Carnegie Hall Chairman and philanthropist Robert Smith will co-host the event. Five-time Emmy nominee and Broadway actor Tituss Burgess and world-renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin are set to perform.
Boteach said in a statement to the Journal that the gala will center on the common experiences and history of solidarity between Black and Jewish communities — more specifically, how this history reflects a shared program of values that remains a key driver in fighting racial injustice.
The gala will center on the common experiences and history of solidarity between Black and Jewish communities.
“As both communities are in the midst of struggles that will impact America for decades to come, these honorees have inspired us with their commitment to fostering a society where the divine image in all God’s children is not taken for granted but, in fact, cherished,” Boteach said. “We must recognize the best practices these leaders have pioneered and appreciate how they can make a difference at a global scale.”
For its ninth year, the World Values Network will bring together world leaders who have taken values-driven action to tackle pressing issues impacting the country. This year’s focus on social cohesion, kinship and brotherhood between the African American and Jewish communities comes at a historical inflection point.
“The World Values Network affirms that we’re all equally God’s children and entitled to justice, inclusion at all levels of society and access to equal opportunities,” Boteach said. “The fellowship between the African American and Jewish communities is of critical importance in establishing a true values-based global society.”
The gala will take place at 4:00 p.m. PST. For more information about tickets and attending the gala, visit the website.
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