Alex Edelman’s Unexpected Connection to Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation
The Shoah Foundation, founded by legendary director Steven Spielberg, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a star-studded gala in New York City. The event brought together prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Meryl Streep, Whoopi Goldberg, Bruce Springsteen, and Alex Edelman.
A Night of Remembrance and Celebration
The gala served as a platform to honor the survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides. Attendees reflected on the importance of preserving their testimonies and combating the rise of antisemitism.
Steven Spielberg, the driving force behind the Shoah Foundation, emphasized the need for empathy and understanding in the face of hate. He urged people to recognize the warning signs of intolerance and take action to prevent future atrocities.
Alex Edelman’s Personal Connection
One of the highlights of the evening was a touching story shared by comedian Alex Edelman. Edelman revealed that he had a personal connection to Steven Spielberg’s mother, Leah Adler.
As a teenager, Edelman frequented Adler’s kosher restaurant, The Milky Way, in Los Angeles. Adler, known for her kindness and generosity, would often feed Edelman without charging him. One day, Adler introduced Edelman to her son, Steven Spielberg, and showed him the Oscar for Schindler’s List.
Edelman’s encounter with Adler left a lasting impression on him, and he expressed his gratitude for her kindness and the impact she had on his life.
The Shoah Foundation’s Mission
The Shoah Foundation, based at the University of Southern California, aims to collect, preserve, and share testimonies of Holocaust survivors and witnesses. The foundation also works to document other genocides and combat contemporary antisemitism.
Through its educational programs and initiatives, the Shoah Foundation seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of hate and intolerance and promote human rights.
A Call to Action
The gala served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past and working towards a better future. Attendees were urged to take action against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
Steven Spielberg emphasized the need for empathy and understanding, and he called on people to recognize the warning signs of hate. By learning from the past, we can work to prevent future tragedies.
