JCN - AFMDA Honors Actress Patricia Heaton at its Miami Gala

The evening included a cocktail reception, an elegant kosher dining experience created by Chef Olivia Ostrow of the Ostrow Brasserie, inspiring program and an after party.

The gala was hosted by Israeli actress and model Moran Atias, as well as Ambassador Gilad Erdan, MDA’s global president. Highlights included a presentation by actor Liev Schreiber, AFMDA’s Champion of Israel award winner Patricia Heaton (star of Everybody Loves Raymond and many other achievements) and Jassi and Joey Antebi receiving the L’Dor V’Dor Humanitarian of the Year award. The event also spotlighted frontline medics including Adham Safadi, whose daughter was among the 12 children killed by a Hezbollah rocket fired from Lebanon as they played soccer this past July.

During his emotional presentation, Schreiber read a letter written by Safadi.

“I tried to look away but I couldn't. The muscles in my neck wouldn't move. I begged a stranger to cover my daughter's face.”

Reading a friend’s quote, Schreiber continued, “There is nothing so whole as a broken heart.”

Schreiber also gave a heart wrenching account of the experiences of Magen David Adom EMT Zvi Reder, who saved many lives on October 7th, even as his son was murdered by terrorists at a nearby kibbutz.

“When I was in Ukraine building Blue Check,” Schreiber said, referring to the organization he founded, “Magen David Adom was right there beside me, delivering bulletproof ambulances and world-class medical care.”

Heaton (a devout Catholic) received AFMDA’s Champion of Israel award for her outspoken support for Israel following Hamas’ October 7 massacre that left more than 1,200 Israelis murdered and over 250 taken hostage. Heaton’s initiatives include her creation of the October 7th Coalition (O7C), as well as her #MyzuzahYourzuzah campaign, encouraging non-Jews to fight antisemitism and stand with Israel and her people.

“It is our goal to encourage Christians to stand visibly and vocally against the rise of Antisemitism and to stand with our Jewish savior's biological family as the scripture calls us. We are here to be a voice of allyship to the Jewish people and to stand not only for the sole democracy in the Middle East, but to bless Israel as we are instructed. We pray that more Christians have their hearts softened and join in supporting our Jewish brothers and sisters,” Heaton said.

During her award acceptance speech, Heaton said, “The world owes Israel a debt of eternal gratitude.”

Heaton also expressed her support for MDA.

“As one of the leading nonprofits in Israel, serving as the national red cross, Magen David Adom is the first to respond and provide care for all Israelis. They epitomize the heart of Israel. It is an honor to be recognized by such an esteemed organization who is at the forefront of the battle. When the recent attacks in Amsterdam took place, it was Magen David Adom who boarded a plane to Amsterdam to attend to the immediate needs of Israeli victims. Magen David Adom is a shining light in the world.”

A candlelit moment of silence honored the Israeli victims of terror and included participation by everyone in the capacity-filled room.

Donations totaling over $4.5 Million were raised during the event. Auctioneer Dave Keystone led the live auction. Donations included the funding of several ambulances culminating in almost $1.8 Million in donations raised during the event along with a million-dollar matching grant by an anonymous donor.

For more information about supporting Magen David Adom, visit secure.afmda.org