Hollywood hot for Israel at
Paramount gala
By Danielle Berrin
The Jewish Journal, September 25, 2008
Hollywood Hot for Israel at Star-Studded Paramount
Gala Marking Anniversary
There were Hollywood stars and powerful studio heads, politicians,
multinational rappers, Israeli Cabinet ministers, the Keshet Chaim
dance ensemble, two-dozen Israeli Boy and Girl Scouts, a 3-D film
segment, a tennis legend, professional and amateur comedians,
resounding shofars, electronic fireworks and tables groaning with
biblical fruits.
It was, in the view of Republican stalwart Larry Greenfield, an
"eclectic" evening.
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Movie producer Arnon Milchan and
tennis star Serena Williams share a light moment at
the Israel 60 in Los Angeles that took place Sept. 18, 2008.
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Last week's venue was the Paramount Studio, complete with red
carpet, an array of TV news cameras, entertainment reporters
thrusting microphones into the faces of the famous and not-so-famous
and lovely ladies in designer dresses and an occasional tattoo.
Circuit might have missed a few of the celebrities in the crush,
but we spotted Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, Kiefer Sutherland,
U.S. Open champ Serena Williams, rapper Seal, Shaun Toub, studio
chiefs Sumner Redstone and Terry Semel, music producer David Foster
and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
We're talking, of course, about the celebration of Israel's 60th
anniversary, under the banner of "From Vision to Reality," hosted by
the Consulate General of Israel, represented by its top man, Yaakov
Dayan, and the Citizens' Empowerment Center in Israel (CECI),
represented by its founder, Izak Parvis Nazarian and his talented
family.
Each of the 740 guests paid $1,000 to attend the festivities and
to honor Israel-born Arnon Milchan, producer of some 120 movies,
including "Pretty Woman," "L.A. Confidential" and "Mr. and Mrs.
Smith."
Nazarian, who established CECI to promote democracy and voting
rights among Israeli citizens and youth, took a back seat at the
glittering evening, as did his daughter, Dora Kadisha, the chief
organizer of the full, full program.
The lovely face of the family was Dina Kadisha, Dora's (and
Neil's) daughter, who kept things rolling as mistress of
ceremonies.
Israel was well represented by rapper Subliminal and such
dignitaries as Education Minister Yuli Tamir, Knesset Speaker Dalia
Itzik, former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and, via video, Tzipi
Livni, current foreign minister and potential prime minister.
Peter Chernin, president of News Corp, introduced and semiroasted
the guest of honor and presented Milchan with the Legacy of Citizens
Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to Israel and the film
industry.
In an advance interview with The Journal (see story, page 33),
Milchan said he anticipated a "surprise party." As it turned out,
Milchan, a friend of the tennis-famed Williams family, provided his
own surprise by calling Serena to the stage to share his own award
with the champ.
Milchan used his response to voice some serious thoughts on the
Middle East situation. "I am older than the State of Israel itself,"
he started. "First we had our neighbors throwing stones, then the
stones became rockets and then they became missiles ... then we all
got more toys and more people died.
"We are all hostages ... just imagine if we all helped each other.
Maybe we can learn from Warren Beatty, who told me, 'Keep asking
them, maybe one of the girls will say yes.'"
The evening ended late but on a high note with cast and guests
belting out the popular Israeli song, "Yachad" (Together).
-- Tom Tugend, Contributing Editor
