FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration on Capitol Hill to Honor Nobel Laureate Dr. Harvey J. Alter, Philanthropist Elliott Broidy and Rabbi David Baron
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The annual Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) celebration will be held on Capitol Hill on May 19 to celebrate the enduring contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. The event brings together members of Congress, foreign ambassadors and leaders from across the civic, business and religious communities.
This year’s luncheon will honor Nobel Prize-winning physician and researcher Dr. Harvey J. Alter with the Dr. David Nassy Award, entrepreneur and philanthropist Elliott Broidy with the Visionary Award, and Rabbi David Baron of Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills with the Creativity in the Jewish Community Award.
Dr. Alter, who spent decades at the National Institutes of Health, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for work that eventually led to the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, transforming blood screening and saving millions of lives worldwide. The award he will receive is named after David Nassy, the first Jewish doctor in Philadelphia who challenged prevailing medical practices during the 1793 Yellow Fever outbreak by advocating for more humane and effective treatment methods.
“At a time when antisemitism again rears its ugly head, I am proud to represent Jewish scientists in their quest to find answers to medical, technologic, and societal issues that confront and confound humanity,” said Dr. Alter.
Mr. Broidy is being recognized for his leadership in public safety, philanthropy and efforts to combat antisemitism and extremism. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitic incidents globally, Mr. Broidy expanded his support for organizations dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, countering extremism and strengthening Jewish communal life. His philanthropic work has also included support for educational institutions, healthcare organizations and cultural initiatives in the United States and Israel.
“I am deeply moved to be recognized during Jewish American Heritage Month alongside Dr. Alter and Rabbi Baron, whose work represents the very best of Jewish American achievement and public service,” said Mr. Broidy. “This celebration is an opportunity not only to honor the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our nation’s history, but also to reaffirm our shared responsibility to confront hatred and protect the values of tolerance, democracy and human dignity.”
Rabbi David Baron, spiritual leader of Temple of the Arts, will be receiving the Creativity in the Jewish Community Award for his contributions to Jewish cultural and religious life, Holocaust education, and public service through media, philanthropy, and international remembrance initiatives. “I am deeply honored to receive this award that celebrates the contributions of American Jews, to the spiritual, cultural and artistic growth of our nation,” said Rabbi Baron. “Our great country was founded on the biblical principles that have kept the Jewish people for millennia and form the foundation of western civilization.”
The event, organized by Project Legacy under the leadership of Ezra Friedlander, honors leaders whose lives and work reflect the enduring contributions of Jewish Americans to the fabric of this nation. The initiative traces its roots to the early 1980s, when Jewish Heritage Week was launched following discussions between Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman Emeritus of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, President Ronald Reagan and author and humanitarian Elie Wiesel. It later evolved into Jewish American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration.
“Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary impact Jewish Americans have had on every aspect of American life,” said Friedlander. “This year’s honorees reflect a deep commitment to public service, innovation, philanthropy and the fight against hatred and intolerance.”
Malcolm Hoenlein, along with Eric J. Gertler, Executive Chairman of U.S. News and World Report will chair this year’s event.
Additional speakers and program participants will be announced in connection with the event.