Iranian American Jewish Federation Holds Groundbreaking Gala at NY’s Geffen Hall

By: Lieba Nesis

On Tuesday November 15, 2022 the Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) of New York held its 21st annual gala at the David Geffen Hall with a buffet dinner in the foyer beginning at 6:30 PM.  IAJF was founded in 1980 as a response to the 1979 Iranian Revolution where a vast migration of Jews with distinct needs sought help from various Iranian organizations that eventually formed under one umbrella-IAJF.

The inception of the IAJF New York branch in 2001 has led to the support of over 215 Jewish organizations with more than $70 million raised. The evening garnered $5 million as the more than 1200 person crowd gathered after a 3-year-hiatus to socialize in the new $550 million dollar renovated Geffen hall for a reasonable $500 per person ticket ($150 for juniors).  This was my first time attending and I was astounded by the hordes of people streaming in who all knew each other from the Persian Jewish community.  There were also more than 400 young professionals who came out to support an organization that feeds the poor, aids terrorism victims, promotes Zionism, instills Jewish values, and educates the public.

The program which took place in the seated hall began with gala emcee Noa Tishby, Israel’s First Special Envoy for Combating Anti-Semitism, speaking of the rise in anti-Semitism and the scarily and previously unimaginable current scenario of cultural leaders espousing anti-Semitic tropes.  President of the IAJF, Steven Khadavi, welcomed Mike Pence and remarked that the 48th Vice President might pick past speakers Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley for a 2024 Presidential ticket.

Khadavi reiterated the accomplishments of IAJF including providing Ukranian refugees with food and basic necessities, joining UJA to build a Jerusalem Campus for the Arts, refurbishing a bomb shelter in Northern Israel, connecting hundreds of young American Jews with Israel and Zionism, and its most ambitious project yet of constructing a 300 unit apartment complex In Netanya that will provide affordable housing for Holocaust survivors and the elderly-giving sponsors the opportunity to have their name inscribed in the complex.  Khadavi concluded by remarking on the brave women of Iran who have risked their lives for freedom of religion and expression, and encouraged the crowd to recite the rallying cry of “Zann, Zendegi, Azaadi,” meaning “Woman, Life and Freedom”.

A video of 48th Vice President Mike Pence introduced the pro-Israel politician who has been a steadfast friend and received a standing ovation to the song “Coming to America.”  Pence said it was a special joy to travel with his wife Karen who he has been married to for 37 years who is a teacher and the “best second lady” America has ever had. He also reiterated there was no place in America for anti-Semitism and would stand with the people of Israel and the freedom lovers in Iran.  As a Christian believer Israel, Pence said, held a special place in his heart. His brother’s Jewish wife Judy, who died at 40, also greatly influenced his passion for Israel leading him to sign the toughest anti BDS bill in the US.  Pence said he was honored to serve as Vice President in the most pro-Israel administration in American history.

From the very first days in office the Trump administration worked to strengthen ties with Israel, removed the US from the UN Human Rights commission for its anti-Israel bias, shut down the PLO office in DC, issued the strongest executive order to fight anti-Semitism, isolated the mullahs in Iran, withdrew from the Iran Nuclear deal and eliminated the most dangerous terrorist Qasem Soleimani.  Moving the American embassy to Jerusalem was another miracle which Trump and Ambassador David Friedman were able to accomplish for $21 million within 9 months after being told it would take several billion dollars and ten years. Walking into the embassy and seeing his name etched in the wall, Pence said, was one of the greatest honors of his life.

He also relished joining Trump in giving the armed forces unprecedented resources, taking out ISIS without one casualty, holding Syria accountable for mindless assaults on its own  people and serving shoulder to shoulder with America and Israel-despite the term not “ending well.” Pence decried the current administration for its disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, restoring funding to the PLO, providing a consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem, and negotiating for a worse Iran deal.  Returning to the policies of appeasement under Obama has led to North Korea resuming its missile firings, Russia’s aggression and Chinese- Taiwan tension. Pence concluded by saying the anthems of the Zionist movement are as old as America, and that those who bless Israel will themselves be blessed. At 11 PM guests made their way to the awaiting rain as young professionals attended an after party at one of the most invigorating evenings of the year.