An evening devoted to the themes of courage, heroism and the power of the Jewish spirit

December 16, 2025

We hope that the year 2026 was launched by you with joy and hope and that it will be filled with enlightenment.
On the third night of Hanukah, a diverse group of leaders and philanthropists from all over the world, particularly from Greece, Israel and the United States, gathered for a meaningful and significant event to honor Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer. Dr. Bourla, born in Thessaloniki, received the prestigious ANU Yakir Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to medicine, science, and the welfare of humanity, as well as his unwavering support for Israel and the global Jewish community. His deep pride in his heritage, steadfast moral principles, and courageous leadership have distinguished his career and inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Daniel Pincus, President of American Friends of ANU presented the award, noting: “Hanukah reminds us that we survive because some people fight to protect life when it is most fragile. Dr. Bourla's tenure as CEO of Pfizer began in late 2018, a year before our world grew dark as COVID-19 defiled our temples—our homes, our offices, our gathering places. When many of us had no choice but to retreat, Dr Bourla and his company lit millions of candles and shields of protection, not from drops of olive oil, but doses of an mRNA vaccine that allowed us to rededicate our world. As it is said in the Talmud: Whoever saves one soul is as if he saved the entire world. Dr. Bourla, and his miraculous company saved the entire world.”
In many ways it was an outstanding evening that implied that history does not have to repeat itself. Greece of ancient times attempted to deny the right of the people of Eretz Israel to identify as Jews; Greece of today admires Israel and its accomplishments benefiting the Western World and humanity as a whole, as reflected in the speech of Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Public Health of Greece. Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General, introduced the Greek Minister, citing his own personal connection to the Greek Jewish community.
Minister Georgiadis delivered an impassioned plea against antisemitism and support for Israel and the Jewish People. His remarks were received with a standing ovation, and he was presented with a gift of friendship and gratitude—a replica of the Aleph Amulet, protection for a newborn son from 1887 Ioannina, Greece, the original of which is in the museum’s collection.

Irina Nevzlin, Chair of the Board of ANU, addressed the challenging times of uncertainty, instability, and antisemitism. She stated: “It is at ANU, that we strengthen roots… through meaning, culture, history and connection. “At ANU we choose to be the light for Jewish communities around the world, for Israel and for the next generation.”

Andrew Tisch, Co-Chair of the International Board of Trustees, added that ANU is moving forward, celebrating our unity and diversity, recognizing our differences, and celebrating the universality of the Jewish People. In a post October 7 world, ANU has become more important in setting an agenda beyond Israel and the United States. He echoed the evening's themes of courage, heroism and the enduring power of the Jewish spirit.

The program featured a moving tribute to the late Stephen M. Greenberg z"l, Past President and Treasurer of the American Friends of ANU and a devoted leader of the museum's board. Dr. Cheryl Fishbein, Past President and current board member of the American Friends, highlighted Steve's unique and broad scoped leadership. She recognized the Greenberg family who were in attendance.

Oded Revivi, CEO of ANU spoke about the significance of Hanukah and stressed the role that ANU plays in highlighting our resilience, ceativity and the pride we should take in our history and identity. He introduced Dr. Aaron Feingold, who led the traditional lighting of the candles on the Statue of Liberty Hanukkiah by the artist Manfred Anson. A brass version of this iconic piece, gifted to ANU by Dr. Feingold, is on permanent display in the American Section in the Journey Wing of the museum.

The evening concluded with a performance by the renowned musician Sarah Aroeste, with a compilation of songs in Ladino celebrating Jewish culture culminating with Hatikvah.

It was a memorable evening filled with spirit, content, and optimism—an affirmation of ANU's mission and of the enduring spirit of the Jewish People.

December 16, 2025

EVENT VIDEO PART 1

EVENT VIDEO PART 2

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF ANU – MUSEUM OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE