Actor Michael Rapaport, activist Emily Austin and rapper Kosha Dillz attend star-studded event to help stop the rise of anti-Semitism in the US after devastating October 7 attack
A philanthropic event aimed at supporting an organization that helps IDF soldiers brought together some of the most unapologetically pro-Israel voices in the entertainment industry, all delivering a unified message: “Do something.”
The Let’s Do Something Gala, in support of ‘Soldiers Save Lives’, was held in the heart of New York City It was Thursday evening in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
The line-up included keynote speaker Michael Rapaport who shared inspiration, Israeli Activist Emily Austin advocates for change, and a lively musical performance from rapper Kosha Dillz.
The stories shared throughout the night reinforced the gala’s message of turning tragedy into triumph and contributing 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 support Israel and the Jewish community.
The lineup included keynote speaker Michael Rapaport sharing inspiration, Israeli activist Emily Austin advocating for change, and a vibrant musical performance from rapper Kosha Dillz.
Rapper Kosha Dillz, an outspoken advocate for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, called for more 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 on Thursday evening, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists in October. 7
He acknowledged the somber circumstances of the evening while emphasizing the joy and importance of unity at this time.
“The event is fun, it’s nice to talk to people, but everywhere in Israel there will be a feeling of sadness and heartbreak right now,” he said. “But it’s good to see people coming together, and Jewish people standing up, standing together and staying brave under the crazy circumstances we find ourselves in right now.”
He emphasized the need to raise money for charity and dispelled the myth that all Jewish people are rich.
“My goal is to keep raising money. A lot of people in uniform think every Jew is a gazillionaire – that’s not the case,” he said in an exclusive interview with Dailymail.com.
‘This is a great cause. these children put this into action. I want to try to keep mine and that of other Jewish people’s morale as positive as possible under these circumstances.”
Rapaport closed 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.
Whatever the word means to you when it comes to standing up for Israel and being Jewish, “Keep fighting,” Rapaport said. “It could be quiet or it could be abrupt or disruptive like me, 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 on Thursday evening, was in honor of David Newman, a close friend of the founder, who was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists in October. 7
The stories shared throughout the night reinforced the gala’s message of turning tragedy into triumph and contributing to the fight against anti-Semitism, highlighting the importance of holding the event one day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Rapaport expressed his commitment to support Israel and the Jewish community
He challenged other artists’ concerns about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of information about the reality on the ground
“I came out to support Israel, our Jewish community, and I will continue to do what I can to be as supportive as usual,” Rapaport said.
Former Miss Universe judge Emily Austin focused her speech on encouraging everyone to do their part to support Israel and fight anti-Semitism.
“I hate it when people think they don’t have to do something because that’s completely untrue, everyone has a role to play,” she said.
“It’s not necessarily just donating or speaking out,” she said. ‘Sometimes you don’t want to stand in front of the screen yourself and undergo the check that we do, but you can educate people in your workplace or maybe you can donate.’
She said everyone has a role to play, whether it’s donating, speaking out or even educating others in their workplace.
Austin emphasized her message to the audience: “Do something.”
Rapper Kosha Dillz, an outspoken advocate for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, called for more dialogue within the music industry.
“I would like to see more people speaking out and more people asking me questions,” Dillz said.
He challenged other artists’ concerns about damaging their image and emphasized the importance of information about the reality on the ground.
Michael Rapaport closed the event with a powerful message: ‘Keep fighting’
Emily Austin, a former Miss Universe judge, focused her speech on encouraging everyone to do their part to support Israel and fight anti-Semitism.
In just three months, “Soldiers Save Lives” achieved remarkable milestones, including more than 10 cargo flights, raising more than $1,300,000 and distributing more than 300,000 pounds of equipment valued at $22 million to Israel.
Of others in the music industry, he said: “Everyone is so concerned about their image and isolating their fan base,” he said. ‘But I think it is good that people ask questions and get informed about what is actually going on.’
Founded in the aftermath of a tragic search for a lost friend, Soldiers Save Lives evolved into a volunteer army that collected millions of dollars worth of equipment and coordinated flights to Israel in just 48 hours.
They received a text from their friend a day after he left for the Nova music festival with his girlfriend.
“Pray for me,” he wrote. Another message followed shortly after. “Something terrible has happened.”
Then silence prevailed. The friends embarked on a journey to locate their missing brother – armed only with medicine kits, protective vests and basic firearms – they ventured into the war zone by ambulance.
The organisation, driven by the murder of their David Newman, has tirelessly raised money and delivered vital supplies to soldiers on the frontline.
In just three months, “Soldiers Save Lives” achieved notable milestones, including more than ten cargo flights, raising more than $1,300,000 and distributing more than 300,000 pounds of equipment valued at $22 million to Israel.
As Israel faced the largest and fastest mobilization in history, Soldiers Save Lives addressed critical equipment shortages, ensuring frontline soldiers received essential supplies beyond what the military could provide.