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March 18, 2024
Davie, FL - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was honored with the “Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award” at the Zionist Organization of America’s “Heroes of Israel” Gala where she also delivered remarks. Dr. Miriam Adelson presented Congresswoman Stefanik with the award.
Excerpts of Dr. Miriam Adelson's remarks:
“Luckily for us all, his [Sheldon] spirit lives on in the real American leaders of today. Several have graced us with their participation this evening, and it is my special pleasure that I bestow upon one of them, Representative Elise Stefanik, the ZOA Award.
The ZOA award carries my name and that of my beloved late husband Sheldon. There are many occasions on which I wish Sheldon was standing beside me — this is one of them. Another was a few months back when I watched with delight as Representative Stefanik exposed the hypocrisy of the presidents of allegedly elite universities who had allowed antisemitism on their campuses.
She followed up by demanding transparency over the degree to which even a regime has been buying influence over American colleges and although some so-called “Middle East experts” are advising U.S. decision makers, she wants American tax dollars to fund American needs and interests and not the enemies of peace like Iran or UNRWA.
Along with millions of others, I recognized immediately that this is a young woman, very young, with the mettle of generations past, the vision to spot injustice, and the courage to call it out, the ability to rise to the moral challenges of a fast changing world.
To Sheldon, Representative Stefanik would have been a perfect example of his favorite axiom, “Stand up for what you believe in, even if you stand up alone.”
But Congresswoman Elise, you will never stand alone. I thank you. The ZOA thanks you. The Jewish people thank you. America thanks you. Mazel Tov — and may you know much success."
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's remarks as prepared below:
“Good Evening!
Thank you, Dr. Miriam Adelson for that kind introduction.
You are an incredible, steadfast supporter of the Jewish state of Israel, the ZOA, the Jewish people, and critically important global medical research.
As a dedicated and committed physician, philanthropist, humanitarian, and businesswoman, Dr. Adelson, you are a titan both here in the United States and in Israel.
We grow stronger from your strength and we watch in awe as you open up your heart through your work across our communities.
It is truly a tremendous honor to be with you today and it is incredibly humbling to accept the Defender of Israel Award from Dr. Adelson.
Thank you to ZOA - Your tireless efforts have such a positive impact here at home, in Israel, and around the world.
Tonight’s Gala comes at an incredibly challenging moment in time.
From the October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel, to the ongoing war against Hamas, to the appalling rise of antisemitism here in the United States and around the world, to Joe Biden’s and Chuck Schumer’s unconscionable actions and words that undermine the Israeli war effort...
Our most precious ally Israel and the Jewish people are in need of crucial support from the grassroots level all the way up to the highest levels of government.
Your voices at ZOA are powerful and a vital part of the conversation and your work has a lasting impact.
The attacks on October 7th truly shocked the conscience of the world, marking the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
As the atrocities and barbaric images came to light and were shared in the days and weeks after, my heart broke as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and proud American.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, I believed it was important for fellow Members of Congress to understand the depths of depravity and brutality perpetrated by Hamas, and I encouraged the Speaker of the House to show Members of Congress the video provided by the Israeli Embassy documenting this barbarism.
I joined many of my colleagues to watch the 40-minute video footage of the unfathomable brutality committed by the hands of Hamas terrorists against Israelis.
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