While there are many different lists in both the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds, the Algemeiner Journal hosted a star-studded event in New York City on Tuesday nite, April 23rd for its first annual ‘JEWISH 100’ list of the ‘top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life.” (For Arutz Sheva's article on the dinner, click here.)
The event was held the same night as The Time 100 (Time Magazine’s event), and the list was unveiled in front of celebrities, politicians and community leaders, including Alan Dershowitz, Harvey Weinstein of Miramax, criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman, Rabbi Arthur Schneir, Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Presidents, Abe Foxman of the ADL, Ronald Lauder of the World Jewish Congress, Arutz 7 columnist Mark Langfan, AFSI leader Helen Friedman and others.
The MC for the evening was Fox News host Heather Nauert, and the headliner was Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. Media attendees included journalists, and among the leadership of the publication and naturally present at the evening was myself, Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR,.
The recipients of The 1st Annual Jewish 100 list included:
Dr. Ruth Wisse, Harvard professor: “In a profession loaded with anti-Israel agitators, Wisse has remained a steadfast defender of the Jewish state. Whether it be in the pages of national publications or on the campus of Harvard, her fierce intellect is often dispatched against those who embrace anti-Semitism or attempt to undermine Israel’s credibility.”
Warren Buffett, Investor, and Berkshire Hathaway: “The famed billionaire investor has been a strong supporter of Israeli innovation, and has bought into it significantly. His Berkshire Hathaway holding made its first ever investment outside of the United States in Israel. In 2010, while visiting the country, he famously said, “Israel has shown that it has gone a long way in encouraging significant foreign investment in the Jewish State, helping to allow its economy to remain sturdy despite global financial unrest.”
John Hagee, Founder, and Christians United for Israel: “Citing a lack in support of Israel among devout Christians, Hagee established Christians United for Israel in 2006. Today it is the largest pro-Israel organization in America with over one million members.”
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Attorney, Israel Law Center: “Darshan-Leitner has spent her career going after terrorists and holding their financiers accountable. With more than a billion dollars won in judgments, she’s had great results. “
Moshe Yaa’lon, Israel’s Defense Minister: “Israel’s new Defense Minister has been a part of the fabric of Israeli society almost since its inception. Having committed his career to the defense of the Jewish state, the former IDF Chief of Staff is now tasked with overseeing the agencies Israel relies on for its protection from both foreign and domestic threats. Ya’alon, noted for his pragmatic approach, will have his work cut out for him, what with continued rockets emanating from Gaza, a hostile northern border and an Iranian regime that continues to threaten Israel and make a push to go nuclear.”
Ronen Shoval, Founder, Im Tirtzu: “Shoval is one of the founders and the current chairman of Im Tirtzu, the largest Zionist student group in Israel. Whether it’s uncovering bias on university campuses or holding organizations accountable, Shoval puts himself and his organization in the thick of it..”
Others named to the list included Rabbi Shlomo Amar (Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel), Rabbi Yona Metzger (Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Marcus of Palestine Media Watch, Sheldon Adelson and others.
Ronn Torossian is an entrepreneur and philanthropist.