1,200 Attendees Gather for Belev Echad Gala at Cipriani Wall Street

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By: Lieba Nesis

Belev Echad (One Heart) held its annual gala on Monday November 25th 2024 at Cipriani Wall Street with cocktails beginning at 6:30 PM. Led by Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler the organization was started 15 years ago to treat wounded soldiers both physically and mentally: After October 7th its efforts have gone into overdrive with over 4,600 soldiers wounded in the past 14 months. The trauma of that ominous day has affected hundreds of thousands of Jews globally who lost family members and loved ones while living with the fear of an imminent attack.

Led by Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler, Belev Echad was started 15 years ago to treat wounded soldiers both physically and mentally. After October 7th its efforts have gone into overdrive with over 4,600 soldiers wounded in the past 14 months.

On this evening 1,200 people joined for a $1200 per person dinner that was sold out weeks in advance as the lines to get in presaged the jam-packed Cipriani hall that barely contained the masses. Tables for $250,000, $100,000, $50,000 and $36,000 which included money for wounded soldiers were all taken-there wasn’t a seat in the house. With most attendees Orthodox Jewish, there was one notable exception-superstar boxer Floyd Mayweather, whose appearance was a secret, but not a surprise as his emergence as Israel’s number one advocate has been steadfast.

Floyd Mayweather and Ofir Rocky. Floyd Mayweather is a former professional boxer who retired with an undefeated record and won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight. Mayweather just returned from Israel where he paid a visit to Israel’s Belev Echad rehabilitation center, offering encouragement and support to soldiers wounded in the ongoing war. This is Mayweather’s fourth visit to the country since the war began, showcasing his commitment to those recovering from their wounds. He also donated $100,000 to United Hatzalah to purchase bulletproof vests for their volunteers

Donating military equipment, frequent Israel visits, meetings with wounded soldiers, and rallies in support of Israel have all been part of the champion’s playbook as one of the few vocal voices in the African American community. Death threats and rabid anger can not deter Floyd who proudly accepted the Belev Achad award remarking his career outside the ring has been more rewarding thanks to many in the evening’s audience who were also business partners. “I chose a side,” Floyd defiantly remarked, “and that side is Israel.” Posing for pictures with enthusiasm, signing the back of a soldier shot four times in that area, or thanking his best friend Jona Rechnitz for being his biggest supporter are all de rigueur in the life of this Zionist.

Injured soldier Liran Epstein. Liran volunteers his time to work with the kitchen staff at Belev Echad.

Mayweather said he will never be a “fair weather” friend as he praised Prime Minister Netanyahu as a “great and unbelievable gentleman” whom he met in October 2023. There were dozens of other heroes in the audience including “Heart of Courage Award” recipient and Golani soldier Noam Ben Shlush who was one of five soldiers who leapt into action October 7th to confront 40 terrorists who infiltrated Kibbutz Alumim, losing a leg in the process of protecting the entire kibbutz. After being shot three times in the neck and arm the 20-year-old Shlush miraculously survived by playing dead as more terrorists arrived. Tonight, Noam triumphantly held his prosthetic leg in the air while singing with Israeli performer Yagel and other injured colleagues.

October 7th survivor Eden Ram and Isaac Ash. 1st Lieutenant Eden Ram was hit by 12 bullets on October 7th. Her base in the south was attacked by Hamas terrorists. Isaac Ash is a prominent businessman and renowned philanthropist. As the CEO and President of United Legwear & Apparel, Isaac Ash is committed to helping people in need.

The evening’s theme of overcoming unimaginable adversity was exemplified by First Lt. Eden Ram who was stationed in the Urim District Base with twelve other soldiers when incoming terrorists ambushed the group shooting her twelve times until she and her friend Sahar were saved four hours later by IDF soldiers. After losing 9 friends and spending months in a wheelchair and critical care hospital Eden stood tall, spoke beautifully and appeared one hundred percent healthy-attributing much of her rehabilitation success to Belev Ached and Soroka hospital.

Lee Lewittes, Eliana Tisch. Lizzy Savetsky and Erika Kashi

We also heard from 22-year-old Amit Bar and his mother Michal who described her son’s near death experience when a booby trapped building killed his two commanders while he suffered a shattered left leg from a metal door explosion. His mother described receiving the dreaded call that she knew would change her life forever, while also expressing appreciation that her son was smiling and happy despite his grave injury which required an amputated leg.

Jewish influencer Lizzy Savetsky and husband, Dr. Ira L. Savetsky. Lizzy Savetsky is a prominent Jewish influencer and activist, renowned for her advocacy on behalf of Jewish identity and Israel. Her journey from a fashion blogger to a leading voice in the Jewish community highlights her dedication to promoting Jewish culture, combating anti-Semitism, and supporting Israel. Dr. Savetsky is is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, renowned for his expertise in aesthetic procedures of the face, nose, breasts, and body. In response to rising anti-Semitic incidents, Dr. Savetsky has offered free reconstructive surgeries to victims of hate crimes.

These heroes goaded attendees to donate a record breaking $4.8 million with Mayweather giving $100,000, the Nakash family giving $50,000, Issac Ash giving $100,000, honorees Gabe and Yaara Plotkin donating $500,000 and award recipients Jennifer and Peter Bernstein also making a generous contribution-there was even an anonymous $500,000. The evening concluded with a lavish dessert table on the second floor and some closing remarks by badass Fauda actress Meirav Shirom, and Tehran actress Liraz Charhi who lost 5 members in the Be’eri slaughter-proving once again the enormous repercussions of October 7th.