By COLlive reporter
A most impactful and prestigious event of American Friends of Lubavitch – Chabad was held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC.
The Lamplighter Awards Dinner, one of the national capital’s most exclusive gatherings of the year, honored Jeff Miller, Chairman of the US Holocaust Memorial Council and Founder and CEO of Miller Strategies. The Leadership Award was bestowed upon Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the US Senate Commerce Committee. Jewish Country-Western performer Troy Breslow provided a unique musical introduction for him.
Hundreds of guests, including numerous business and communal leaders, members of the cabinet and senior Administration officals, members of Congress from both chambers and parties and the Washington diplomatic corps, were part of the evening held in support of American Friends of Lubavitch – Chabad.
The program kicked off with a gracious welcome by Mrs. Nechama Shemtov, Director of Education and Women’s Issues, American Friends of Lubavitch – Chabad.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad and senior Shliach to Washington, DC, presided over the dinner, which was co-chaired by Norm Brownstein, Kevin McCarthy and Eli Miller.
Rabbi Mendy Cohen, Shliach of the Rebbe to Sacramento, CA, and a longtime friend of the honoree, delivered the Motzie blessing.
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick spoke movingly of his visit to the Ohel with President Donald Trump and then introduced a special video greeting from the President.
Other dignitaries present and participating included White House Counsel Will Scharf, US Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, Martin Marks, White House Liaison to the Jewish community and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The now famous reception and unparalleled elegant Kosher cuisine was presented by Table One.
Grace after Meals was led by Rabbi Yitzi Ceitlin, Director of Chabad – East DC and the Georgetown University National Law Center.
