By Shalhevet Cohen
Shocked. Afraid. Outraged. Passionate. Optimistic. This was my rollercoaster of emotions on November 17, 2024. I was attending the Zionist Organization of America’s annual gala in New York City. Earlier that day, I had no idea of the turn of events that would happen at the dinner.
I was part of a cohort of students from Yeshiva University who had the privilege of attending the event. The gala featured a variety of speakers, all expressing the importance of supporting Israel especially during these tough times. Figures such as David Friedman, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, were awarded for their outstanding contributions to Israel. The energy was palpable – hundreds of Israel supporters gathered together to affirm our commitment to the state.
Outside the venue, a couple of protesters lined the sidewalk. Walking past them to enter the gala only strengthened my resolve to stand for Israel. However, I did not know that my commitment would be reaffirmed even more later on in the evening.
One key speaker was the former Israel Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Erdan commended the United States for its support of Israel and urged for continued assistance. Suddenly, in the middle of Erdan’s speech, two women from the table adjacent to YU’s student attendees stood up and began shouting, “Free Palestine.”
There was a second of shock and then security forces swiftly grabbed them and escorted them outside. We were stunned – what just happened?! Once reality sunk in, so did fear, creeping in inch by inch. Were we not safe even in our own event? Was our security not enough? Yet, Erdan, an IDF vet, was not fazed. He stated that their presence only makes him feel stronger in his beliefs. But then, another two women from the same table interrupted Erdan and shouted anti-Israel sentiments. This time, a member from the crowd, together with a security guard, immediately took hold of the women and removed them from the premises.
Along with my fellow classmates, I was taken aback and felt a bit on guard. With the security checks and identity confirmation required to enter the gala, how did these protestors manage to infiltrate the venue? After some speculation, the most logical explanation was that these women paid for tickets just to perform this protest. Little did they know, we would get the better end of the deal.
The previously strong energy in the room only exponentially increased. The remainder of the gala was filled with vigor, positivity and renewed enthusiasm about our support of Israel. Attendees were urged to actively advocate for Israel, whether on college campuses, on Capitol Hill, or on social media. Tickets were quite expensive, as the gala was a fundraiser for the ZOA. We didn’t mind a minor interruption in exchange for further financial support to aid in the organization’s efforts on behalf of Israel.
The event served as a declaration of our commitment to Israel. At YU, we live in the city, often surrounded by people who call for our homeland’s destruction. Attending communal gatherings at YU or with the broader Jewish community are an essential way to connect with those who also stand with Israel and remember that we are not alone. Personally, I gain inspiration and optimism through gathering with pro-Israel supporters. Just like YU is a religious safe haven within a secular city, so too pro-Israel events create a space to regain strength and courage before heading back to the outside – often times, anti-Israel – world. The ZOA gala serves as a reminder to not be afraid, rather to courageously defend our nation, country, and values.
Photo Caption: Alan Dershowitz speaking at the ZOA Gala
Photo Credit: Shalhevet Cohen