A philanthropic event aimed at supporting an organization that aides IDF soldiers rallied some of the most unapologetically pro-Israel voices in the entertainment industry, all conveying a unified message: ‘Do something.’
The Let’s Do Something Gala, in support of ‘Soldiers Save Lives,’ held in the heart of New York City Thursday night, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7.
The lineup featured keynote speaker Michael Rapaport sharing inspiration, Israeli Activist Emily Austin advocating for change, and a lively musical performance by rapper Kosha Dillz.
The stories shared throughout the night reinforced the gala’s message: to turn tragedy into triumph and contribute to the fight against anti-Semitism, noting the importance of holding the event one day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Rapaport expressed his commitment to supporting Israel and the Jewish community.
The lineup featured keynote speaker Michael Rapaport sharing inspiration, Israeli Activist Emily Austin advocating 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 in the heart of New York City Thursday night, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7
He acknowledged the somber circumstances of the evening while simultaneously highlighting the joy and importance of unity at this time.
‘The event is nice, it’s nice to talk to people but anything around Israel right now theres going to be a sense of sadness and heartbreak,’ he said. ‘But it’s good to see people come together, and see Jewish people stand up and stand together and stay brave under the insane circumstances that we are under right now.’
He emphasized the need to raise funds for a great cause and dispelled the myth that all Jewish people are wealthy.
‘My goal is to continue to raise money. A lot of uniformed people think every Jew is gazillionaire – that’s not the case,’ he said in an exclusive interview with Dailymail.com.
‘This is a great cause. these kids put this into action. I want to try to keep my and other Jewish people’s morale as positive as it can be under these circumstances.’
Rapaport concluded the event with a powerful message: ‘Keep fighting.’
He urged attendees to stand up for Israel and the Jewish community in their own way, whether quietly, disruptively, or through financial support.
In whatever the word means to you in regard to standing up for Israel and being Jewish, ‘Keep fighting,’ Rapaport said. ‘It could be quietly or it could be abrupt or disruptive like I do, or it could be with 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 in the heart of New York City Thursday night, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7
The stories shared throughout the night reinforced the gala’s message: to turn tragedy into triumph and contribute to the fight against anti-Semitism, noting the importance of holding the event one day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Rapaport expressed his commitment to supporting Israel and the Jewish community
He challenged other artist’s concern about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of becoming informed about the realities on the ground
‘I came out to support Israel, our jewish community and I am going to 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 play their part in supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism.
‘I hate when people think they don’t have to do something, because thats’s totally false everyone has a role to play,’ she said.
‘It’s not necessarily just donating or just speaking out,’ she said. ‘Sometimes you don’t want to it yourself in front of the screen and face the scrutiny that we do, but you can educate people in your workspace or maybe you can donate.’
She said everyone has a role to play, whether it’s through donations, speaking out, or even educating others in their workspace.
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 love more people to speak out and would love more people to ask me questions,’ said Dillz.
He challenged other artist’s concern about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of becoming informed about the realities on the ground.
Michael Rapaport concluded the event with a powerful message: ‘Keep fighting’
Emily Austin, a former Miss Universe judge, focused her speech on encouraging everyone to play their part in supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism
In just three months, ‘Soldiers Save Lives’ achieved remarkable milestones, including over 10 Cargo Flights, raising over $1,300,000, and distributing 300,000+ pounds of gear valued at $22 million to Israel
Regarding others in the music industry, he said, ‘Everyones so concerned about their image and worried about isolating their fan base,’ he said. ‘But I think it’s good for people to ask questions and become informed about what’s actually going on.’
‘Soldiers Save Lives’ was founded in the wake of a tragic search for a lost friend, evolving into a volunteer army raised millions of dollars worth of gear and coordinated flights to Israel within just 48 hours.
They received a text from their friend a day after he left to the Nova music festival with his girlfriend.
‘Pray for me,’ he wrote. Another message followed shortly after. ‘Something terrible happened.’
Then, silence prevailed. The friends embarked on a journey to locate their missing brother – armed only with med-kits, protective vests, and basic firearms – they ventured into the war zone via ambulance.
The organization, driven by the murder of their David Newman, has tirelessly raised funds, providing essential supplies to soldiers on the front lines.
In just three months, ‘Soldiers Save Lives’ achieved remarkable milestones, including over 10 Cargo Flights, raising over $1,300,000, and distributing 300,000+ pounds of gear valued at $22 million to Israel.
As Israel faced its largest, fastest mobilization in history, ‘Soldiers Save Lives’ addressed critical gear shortages, ensuring that frontline soldiers received essential supplies beyond what the army could provide.