EMET to Host “Rays of Light in the Darkness” Awards Dinner

Washington, D.C. — October 2025: EMET’s signature event, scheduled for November 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, will celebrate leaders who speak truth about Israel and the Middle East despite the political cost they face every day. These honorees share a belief in a strong United States, a self-sufficient Israel, and unwavering support for security against terrorism, even when it may seem unpopular.

Chaired by Miriam and Micha Weinblatt, the dinner will feature a distinguished host committee comprising leading figures from across the United States committed to supporting Israel, interfaith understanding, and freedom. The evening begins with a reception where guests will meet the honorees and other VIP guests before the formal awards ceremony.

2025 Speakers of Truth Honorees

Senator John Fetterman

U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania

Recognized for his steadfast support of Israel and the Jewish community, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Senator Fetterman has consistently held Hamas and Iran responsible for ongoing violence, championed full funding for Israel’s defense systems, and stood among the few Senate Democrats backing sanctions against the International Criminal Court for targeting Israeli leaders. He has stated: “I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel.”

Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter

Israel’s Ambassador to Washington

Officially assumed his role on January 27, 2025, replacing Michael Herzog. Ambassador Leiter brings extensive experience in policy-making and strategic consulting, having served as advisor to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Chief of Staff to then-Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Philosophy and has pledged to strengthen the strategic partnership between Israel and the United States while promoting stability in the Middle East.

Ambassador Szabolcs Takács

Hungarian Ambassador to the United States

Honored for his powerful advocacy against antisemitism and his unwavering support for a strong and safe Israel. Ambassador Takács has served as Head of the Hungarian Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) since 2016 and chaired the organization during Hungary’s 2015-2016 Chairmanship. He famously stated: “We, in Hungary, believe that combating anti-Semitism is a moral and a security issue.”

Leo Terrell

Senior Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice

Appointed in January 2025 under President Donald Trump as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Terrell leads the newly formed Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, spearheading federal investigations into numerous universities alleged to be allowing antisemitic harassment, including Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA. He emphasizes that ensuring Jewish students feel safe in schools and universities is central to equal protection under the law.

Anila Ali

Founder & President, American Muslim and Multifaith Empowerment Council

A self-proclaimed “proud Zionist” who immediately after the horrors of October 7th led a delegation of fellow Muslim leaders to bear witness in Israel of the atrocities committed there. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Anila overcame decades of socialization of hostility against the Jewish people and the state of Israel. She states: “After 9/11, the Jewish people stood by us like a rock. That was the beginning of the big battle of good versus evil.”

Personal Courage and Sacrifice

Ambassador Leiter’s commitment to Israel carries profound personal weight. His eldest son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, a physician and Israeli Air Force officer and father of six, fell in battle while leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023. Despite this devastating loss, Ambassador Leiter continues to serve with unwavering dedication to Israel’s security and the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Interfaith Leadership and Unity

Anila Ali’s courage exemplifies the power of interfaith solidarity in combating hatred. After witnessing Muslim communities celebrate the October 7th attacks with statements like “Now the Jewish people are going to feel what we feel,” she took decisive action. She has confronted major Islamist organizations and witnessed how “Israel and the Jewish people have faced harassment, discrimination, ostracization and even abuse.”

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