A philanthropic event supporting an organization that supports IDF soldiers brought together some of the entertainment industry's most uncompromisingly pro-Israel voices, all of whom delivered a unified message: “Do something.”
The “Let's Do Something” gala in support of “Soldiers Save Lives,” held Thursday evening in the heart of New York City, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder who was brutally killed by Hamas terrorists in October 2017 was killed. 7.
The program featured keynote speaker Michael Rapaport, who shared his inspirations, Israeli activist Emily Austin, who advocated for change, and a lively musical performance by rapper Kosha Dillz.
The stories told throughout the night reinforced the gala's message: to turn tragedy into triumph and contribute to the fight against anti-Semitism, emphasizing the importance of holding the event the day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Rapaport expressed his commitment to supporting Israel and the Jewish community.
The program featured keynote speaker Michael Rapaport, who shared his inspirations, Israeli activist Emily Austin, who advocated for change, and a lively musical performance by rapper Kosha Dillz
Rapper Kosha Dillz, an outspoken advocate for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, called for increased dialogue within the music industry
The “Let's Do Something” gala in support of “Soldiers Save Lives,” held Thursday evening in the heart of New York City, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder who was brutally killed by Hamas terrorists in October 2017 was killed. 7
He acknowledged the somber circumstances of the evening while emphasizing the joy and importance of unity during this time.
“The event is nice, it's nice to talk to people, but everything that concerns Israel right now will cause a feeling of sadness and grief,” he said. “But it’s nice to see people coming together and to see Jewish people standing up and sticking together and staying brave in the insane circumstances we’re in right now.”
He emphasized the need to raise funds for a good cause and debunked the myth that all Jews are rich.
“My goal is to continue raising money.” “Many people in uniform think every Jew is a gazillionaire – that's not the case,” he said in an exclusive interview with .
“This is a great thing.” These kids made it happen. I want to try to keep the morale of my and the other Jewish people as positive as possible under these circumstances.”
Rapaport ended the event with a powerful message: “Keep fighting.”
He urged participants to advocate for Israel and the Jewish community in their own ways, whether quietly, disruptively or through financial support.
Whatever the word means to you, when it comes to standing up for Israel and being Jewish: “Keep fighting,” Rapaport said. “It could be quiet, it could be abrupt or disruptive like I do, or it could be because of your wallet.”
Danielle Yablonka poses in a dress honoring David Newman, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists, at the Let's Do Something Gala in support of Soldiers Save Lives.
The “Let's Do Something” gala in support of “Soldiers Save Lives,” held Thursday evening in the heart of New York City, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder who was brutally killed by Hamas terrorists in October 2017 was killed. 7
The stories told throughout the night reinforced the gala's message: to turn tragedy into triumph and contribute to the fight against anti-Semitism, emphasizing the importance of holding the event the day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Rapaport expressed his commitment to supporting Israel and the Jewish community
He spoke out against other artists' concerns about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of informing themselves about the reality on the ground
“I came to support Israel and our Jewish community, and I will continue to do what I can to be as supportive as usual,” Rapaport said.
Emily Austin, a former Miss Universe judge, focused her speech on encouraging everyone to do their part to support Israel and combat anti-Semitism.
“I hate it when people think they don't have to do anything because that's completely wrong. Everyone has their role,” she said.
“It’s not necessarily just about donating or just speaking out,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t want to stand in front of the screen yourself and face the scrutiny we do, but you can educate people at your workplace or maybe donate.”
She said everyone has a role to play, whether by donating, speaking out or even educating others in their workplace.
Austin emphasized her message to the crowd: “Do something.”
Rapper Kosha Dillz, an outspoken advocate for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, called for increased dialogue within the music industry.
“I would be happy if more people expressed their opinions and asked me questions,” said Dillz.
He spoke out against other artists' concerns about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of informing themselves about the reality on the ground.
Michael Rapaport closed the event with a powerful message: “Keep fighting.”
Emily Austin, a former Miss Universe judge, focused her speech on encouraging everyone to do their part to support Israel and combat anti-Semitism
In just three months, Soldiers Save Lives achieved remarkable milestones, including over 10 cargo flights, raised over $1,300,000, and distributed more than 300,000 pounds of equipment valued at $22 million to Israel
Referring to others in the music industry, he said: “Everyone is so worried about their image and worried about isolating their fan base,” he said. “But I think it’s good for people to ask questions and educate themselves about what’s actually going on.”
Founded after a tragic search for a lost friend, Soldiers Save Lives grew into a volunteer army that collected millions of dollars' worth of equipment and coordinated flights to Israel in just 48 hours.
A day after he left for the Nova music festival with his girlfriend, they received a text message from her boyfriend.
“Pray for me,” he wrote. Another message followed shortly afterwards. “Something terrible happened.”
Then there was silence. The friends set out on a journey to find their missing brother. Armed only with medical equipment, protective vests and simple firearms, they ventured into the war zone by ambulance.
The organization, fueled by the murder of its own David Newman, has tirelessly raised funds to provide vital supplies to soldiers on the front lines.
In just three months, Soldiers Save Lives achieved remarkable milestones, including over 10 cargo flights, raised over $1,300,000, and distributed more than 300,000 pounds of equipment valued at $22 million to Israel.
As Israel faced the largest and fastest mobilization in history, Soldiers Save Lives addressed critical equipment shortages and ensured frontline soldiers received vital supplies beyond what the army could provide.