Michael Levin Base Gala At The Jerusalem Theater (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 09/18/25

Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 18, 2025 - On the evening of September 16,  The Michael Levin Base (The Base) held its annual gala in the Henry Crown Auditorium of the Jerusalem Theater. The event highlighted the rise of global antisemitism and the resilience of Israel’s supporters.

The night began with a standing welcome for U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who delivered the keynote address, affirming that “the United States and Israel are more than allies - we are partners.” Minutes after he left the stage, sirens warned of a missile launched from Yemen. Hundreds of phones lit up. Guests remained calmly seated, following security instructions given before the program began. Huckabee briefly returned with his security team for the required ten minutes before safely departing.

Michael Dickson, executive director of StandWithUs, stepped in as a speaker when former Ambassador Michael Oren, who had planned to appear, sent a prerecorded message instead. Mark and Harriet Levin, parents of the fallen lone soldier Michael Levin, The Base’s namesake, shared a video message.

Founded five years ago in Jerusalem, Israel, The Base provides a home away from home for lone soldiers and Bnei Sherut, young national service volunteers without close family in Israel, led by co-directors Lizzie Noach and Bonnie Rosenbaum. The Base programs have expanded to include Spanish, Russian, and French events and advisors.  

This year’s theme, “The Rise of Global Antisemitism,” drew a powerhouse panel featuring:

• Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel’s special envoy for trade and innovation and former Jerusalem deputy mayor 
• Adir Schwarz, a current Jerusalem deputy mayor
• Matti Friedman, award-winning journalist and author

Dickson moderated the panel, standing in for former government spokesperson Eylon Levy, who was unable to attend.

“After October 7, the masks came off,” Hassan-Nahoum told the audience. “Everything that had been happening under the surface became clear.” She condemned ongoing accusations of genocide against Israel as “absurd and dangerous.”

Schwarz recently led a tour for the 250 American legislators from 50 states in Israel, saying their wonder at Jerusalem’s beauty reminded him not to take the city for granted. Friedman reflected on his years at the Associated Press, noting that international coverage often shaped the conflict narrative at the expense of nuance.

The program also celebrated community heroes:

• Volunteer Appreciation Award – Carol and Mark Goldberg
• Lone Soldier & Lone Bat Sherut Awards – Reut Engle and Ilana Simon
• Community Volunteer Award – Howie Rosenblum  
•   Andrea Finger, a board member of The Base, emceed the evening.

Board chairman Richard Corman offered closing remarks before guests left the auditorium for a dairy buffet.