Miami Marlins co-owner and Hollywood star honoured for helping Israel’s most vulnerable youth
Air Ackerman and Jonah Platt recognised by ELEM for championing Israeli youth overcoming trauma, inequality and violence
Two high-profile Jewish figures – entrepreneur and Miami Marlins co-owner Ari Ackerman and Broadway actor and podcaster Jonah Platt – have been honoured in New York for their commitment to improving the lives of at-risk young people in Israel.
At the American Friends of ELEM’s annual Ray of Hope Benefit, held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the pair were recognised for their work supporting the charity’s mission to transform the futures of Israeli youth facing homelessness, abuse and trauma.
Ackerman, who received the Ray of Hope Award, praised the organisation’s daily work helping young Israelis “fight for children” and rebuild lives.
“They give young people safe spaces, mentors, and a chance to see a future for themselves,” he told guests. “This is not just charity, this is hope – something we all need right now.”
Platt, host of the hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, accepted the LifeSaver Award, saying he was humbled by the recognition.
“ELEM is literally out there every single day, doing work that matters – that saves and changes lives,” he said. “We all have a role to play: bring Jewish life into public spaces, be proud, and advocate for who we are.”
The event, hosted by American Friends of ELEM CEO Liora Attias-Hadar and President Lenore Ruben, marked more than 40 years of ELEM’s work supporting young people from all backgrounds – Jewish, Druze, LGBTQIA+, Orthodox and secular – across Israel.
Attias-Hadar said: “What inspires me every day is seeing young people discover that they are not defined by the trauma they’ve lived through.”
Ruben reflected on the legacy of Roei Shalev, last year’s honouree and Nova festival survivor who tragically took his own life earlier this year. “So many of the young people we work with carry heavy trauma and often feel they are falling through the cracks,” she said. “We do not have the privilege to give up or break down.”
Funds raised from the benefit will go toward ELEM’s emergency and long-term support programmes for displaced youth, Nova survivors and young people affected by the war, providing safe spaces, mental health care and education initiatives across Israel.
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