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CCFPeace
In Article

Creative Community for Peace Courts Biggest Crowd Yet at Annual ‘Ambassadors of Peace’ Gala

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By Sara Smola

Mayim Bialik, Ben Silverman, Elliot Grainge, Phylicia Fant, and Josh Binder Named 2024 Ambassadors of Peace

“I never in my life imagined that I would be in a position to fight for the right of Israel to exist,” said actress and author Mayim Bialik at Creative Community for Peace’s (CCFP) sixth annual “Ambassadors of Peace” gala held September 24.

“I never imagined I would need the kind of support that CCFP provides,” Bialik continued. “I’m very, very humbled to be recognized for my advocacy. I’m a liberal Zionist. I’m a lover of peace. I’m the child of Civil Rights activists. I want you to know how much your support of CCFP allows so many of us to stand up to hate and to discrimination and to intimidation.”

Bialik was one of five Hollywood luminaries honored by the non-profit organization, Creative Community For Peace for its sixth annual “Ambassadors of Peace” gala. Over 500 entertainment professionals gathered at a private home in Beverly Hills for the swanky soiree, honoring prominent figures in the biz who champion the power of the arts to foster unity and promote peace.

Aside from Bialik, other honorees included: Propagate Content Chairman and Co-CEO Ben Silverman; Atlantic Music Group CEO and 10K Projects Founder Elliot Grainge; Amazon Music’s Head of Music Industry & Culture Collaborations Phylicia Fant; and Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder LLP Founding Partner Josh Binder. All were recognized for their ability to effect positive change around the world.

David Renzer, chairman and co-founder of CCFP, and Ari Ingel, executive director of CCFP remarked, “Our honorees this year exemplify the core values of Creative Community for Peace. Their contributions to the entertainment industry promote understanding and peace. We are proud to recognize their efforts and celebrate their achievements.”

The evening served to counter antisemitism within the entertainment industry and to galvanize support against the cultural boycott of Israel by bringing people of all backgrounds together.

“We’re more polarized than ever and unfortunately, finding common ground and humanity is becoming harder to find,” shared Mayim Bialik. “I use my platform to tell my story to the public through humor and authenticity, hoping it bends our collective arc a little closer to justice. I’m deeply honored for CCFP’s recognition of my work. Their mission to pursue peace through connection, dialogue, and tolerance is imperative.”

CCFPeace
In Press Release

More Than 500 Artists and Entertainment Industry Leaders Gathered To Honor Mayim Bialik, Ben Silverman, Elliot Grainge, Phylicia Fant, and Josh Binder at Creative Community for Peace’s 6th Annual ‘Ambassadors of Peace’ Event

Multiple speakers highlighted the need for dialogue and education and the entertainment industry’s responsibility to use their platform to promote peace and understanding

LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday, September 24th, Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), an entertainment industry non-profit organization, hosted its sixth annual “Ambassadors of Peace” (AOP) event to honor prominent entertainment industry leaders for their contributions in using the arts to foster unity, promote peace, and bridge cultural divides.

This year’s honorees were Mayim Bialik, Actress, Author, and Television Host, Ben Silverman, Chairman and Co-CEO of Propagate Content; Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group and Founder of 10K Projects, Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry & Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music and manger to artists such Andra Day and Anthony Hamilton, and Josh Binder, Founding Partner at Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder LLP whose clients include Top Dawg Entertainment, Marshmello, Gunna, and Lisa of Blackpink.

The event was held at the Beverly Hills private residence of Aton Ben-Horin, Executive VP A&R, Warner Music Group & CEO of Plush Management.

Artists and entertainment leaders from across the industry were in attendance such as Grammy Award Winning and 13x Oscar Nominated Songwriter Diane Warren, President of Virgin Music Jacqueline Saturn, President of Music Publishing at Roc Nation Andrew Gould,  television producer and talent manager Benny Medina, CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Founder and Partner at 3 Arts Entertainment Michael Rotenberg, Co-Founder of Endeavor Rick Rosen; Artist Ava Max, artist and author Rachel Platten, actress and artist Andra Day, Co-President of Artists First Brian Dobbins, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, Co-Founders of Best Friends Music Brandon Goodman & Danny Rukasin, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group Jody Gerson, COO and Co-Chairman of Warner Records Tom Corson, and CEO and Co-Chairman of Warner Records Aaron Bay-Schuck amongst many others.

Previous Ambassador of Peace honorees include luminaries such as Actor Eugene Levy, Actor and Director Liev Schreiber, Showrunner Darren Star, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., Grammy Award winning and 14x Oscar nominated songwriter Diane Warren, reggae legend Ziggy Marley, music mogul Scooter Braun, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Latin America Afo Verde, and CEO and Co-Chairman of Warner Records Aaron Bay-Schuck amongst others.

Paying tributes for this year’s honorees included media personality and film producer, Ryan Seacrest, rapper Flavor Flav, comedian and showrunner Larry Wilmore, model and media personality Sofia Richie Grainge, music producer and DJ Marshmello, writer and producer Jenji Kohan, artist and actress JoJo, comedian Modi Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group Haim Saban, actor and artist Andra Day, songwriter and producer Salaam Remi, producer & founder of So So Def Recordings Jermain Dupri, actress Melissa Rauch, Senior Vice President at Prime Video & Amazon Studios Mike Hopkins, comedian Elon Gold, and actor Liev Schreiber.

The event also featured a soulful performance by Grammy Award-winning artist, Anthony Hamilton.

CCFP Chairman and Co-Founder, David Renzer, opened the evening stating, “We’re all here tonight as  part of one entertainment community, celebrating our biggest event ever with an amazing, deserving group of honorees who are leaders in our industry.  In this challenging time CCFP has expanded its mission to fight hate, galvanize the entertainment community to push back on antisemitism and support Israel.  We also believe in the power of the arts to help build bridges of peace and hope to return to focus on these initiatives after these difficult times of war.”

The evening featured heartfelt speeches from the honorees, each reflecting on their personal commitment to using their platforms to advance peace and unity:

Honoree Mayim Bialik said, “I never imagined I’d need the kind of support that CCFP has provided. I’m humbled to be recognized. As a scientist, a peace lover, and an activist, I’m just one person trying to figure out where we belong in this upside-down world. Thank you all for being here, and thank you for supporting CCFP, which allows so many of us to stand against discrimination and intimidation.”

Honoree Ben Silverman remarked, “The arts fuel my life, and television drives my ambitions. I believe that everyone should have the freedom to sing their song and speak their truth. The idea of banning people from expressing themselves is wrong. I’m so proud of the honorees here tonight. We all care about the freedom of our families. I encourage everyone to donate to this incredible organization. I also want to thank my colleagues; we’ve had countless conversations about Israel’s place in the world. I’m so glad we’re all here together. In these dark moments, there is only light.”

Honoree Elliot Grainge reflected, “Music has the power to bring us together, something we need now more than ever. That’s why CCFP is so important today. What we do as an industry and a culture has the power to unite us all. All of us have the ability to foster both physical and mental space for understanding. And that’s the true meaning behind unity.”

Honoree Phylicia Fant said, “While I’m thankful for every position I’ve ever held, my true role and purpose in these organizations extends far beyond what my title says; which is to demonstrate what is possible when you believe that anything is possible; to break ceilings and barriers; to make global impact; to uplift and mentor my team; to support my peers; to champion women. But don’t get me wrong, the work I was hired to do is definitely going to get done as well.”

Honoree Josh Binder shared, “We need more dialogue, more education, more tolerance, and less division and hate. Community doesn’t work if it only works for your community. It’s fake news that a Jew and a Muslim can’t accomplish great things together.”

The evening, while celebratory, also reflected on the ongoing challenges facing Jewish communities and the entertainment industry. Since the  October 7th attacks nearly a year ago, and amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, the Jewish community remains on edge. Speakers also acknowledged the continued importance of using their platforms to combat antisemitism and build tolerance.

Ari Ingel, CCFP Executive Director, closed the evening with a message to everyone in attendance, sharing, “These six honorees embody how we should live each day — with purpose and as agents of change. Everyone, all of you here, are change-agents, and have the ability to affect positive change in the world. To effect positive change for the Jewish people, and to effect positive change for the way Israel is seen around the world. And is it incumbent on all of us to do all we can,  to use our platforms to make sure that we continue to have a thriving Jewish community here in America and a thriving State of Israel.”

More information on Ambassadors of Peace can be found on the event’s website: https://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/gala/

CCFPeace
In Article

CCFP’s Ambassadors of Peace Gala To Honor Mayim Bialik, Music Industry Leaders

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CCFP is holding its sixth annual Ambassadors of Peace Gala (AOP), where they honor five individuals in entertainment for using their platform to bring people together, as well as effect positive change.

On Oct. 12, five days after the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Creative Community for Peace put out a letter in support for Israel. Signed by over 2,000+ people in entertainment including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer, Michael Douglas, Jerry Seinfeld, Helen Mirren and Debra Messing, the letter called for the release of the hostages and condemned Hamas.

Gadot said, “My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered. I’m praying for everyone who has been affected by Hamas’ terrorism and brutality. And I hope that the world remains steadfast in their support of the Israeli people.”

Since the letter was released, CCFP has urged celebrities – whether or not they are Jewish – to stand up for Israel and advocate for peace. On their Instagram account, they frequently release videos of entertainers voicing support for the Jewish state, as well as advocate for the hostages and share inspiring content, like Shaq wishing a “Shana Tova” to survivors of Oct. 7.

Now, CCFP is holding its sixth annual Ambassadors of Peace Gala (AOP), where they honor five individuals in entertainment for using their platform to bring people together, as well as effect positive change. The main honoree at this year’s event, which is taking place at a home in Beverly Hills, is Mayim Bialik of “The Big Bang Theory,” “Blossom” and “Beaches.”

“I am so grateful to all of the work that CCFP has done for the Jewish community and in particular, for those of us in Hollywood trying to make sense of a lot of uncertainty and fear post Oct. 7,” Bialik told The Journal. “My understanding of the news coming out of Israel and my place in the world as a proud liberal Zionist has been transformed by the work of CCFP and their tireless efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism.”

I am so grateful to all of the work that CCFP has done for the Jewish community and in particular, for those of us in Hollywood trying to make sense of a lot of uncertainty and fear post Oct. 7.” – Mayim Bialik

The other gala honorees include Phylicia Fant, who is head of music industry and culture collaboration at Amazon Music; Josh Binder, a founding partner at Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP; Elliot Grange, CEO of Atlantic Music Group; and Ben Silverman, chairman and co-CEO of Propagate Content.

“All of the honorees are people we know that care about our mission and they understand the importance of our work and believe in it,” said former CEO/Chairman Universal Music Publishing and CCFP Chairman and Co-Founder David Renzer.

According to Renzer, this AOP is shaping up be the biggest event yet, with over 500 attendees, and a record amount of fundraising.

He was proud to see that, after Oct. 7, “there are many people in the Jewish community who have been activated. They say they were apathetic about their Judaism in the past, but the rise in antisemitism has really alarmed them. So many people are motivated to do something.”

At the same time, Renzer has seen people in the entertainment industry face backlash and attacks for being Jewish and/or pro-Israel.

“People have created online groups that call out Zionists in music and film and entertainment,” he said. “It’s their way of trying to intimidate the Jewish executives. But we will not be intimidated.”

Along with posting up videos and statements of celebrities coming out in support of the Jewish community and Israel, CCFP educates on antisemitism within the entertainment industry and builds bridges with other communities.

“We have a lot of members who aren’t Jewish who we honor,” Renzer said. “We try to have a diverse group of people who embody the spirit of CCFP.”

Unlike other galas, AOP, which honored actors Liev Schreiber in 2023 and Eugene Levy in 2022, is more of a casual party as opposed to a sit-down, formal banquet.

“It’s not your typical event,” Renzer said. “There will be music and performances, and it’s an incredible networking opportunity for people in entertainment. It’s in a beautiful home in Beverly Hills. It’s got a unique vibe, which is by design.”

Ari Ingel, executive director of CCFP, added, “People in the entertainment community are like the entire Jewish community right now — they feel the need to be with their peers and are looking for support and guidance on how we can tackle challenges together. That’s where CCFP has been doing an incredible job and service to the industry. That’s why this evening has taken on a new level of importance.”

By gathering together hundreds of leaders in entertainment, CCFP is fulfilling its mission: to push for peace and create positive change in the world. For

Ingel, this proves that “our communities are stronger when we stand together against all forms of hate.”

To purchase tickets (General admission, $360; sponsorships available), visithttps://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/gala/purchase.

CCFPeace
In Article

HEAVYWEIGHTS TO BE HONORED BY CCFP

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Atlantic Music Group CEO Elliot Grainge, Amazon Music Head of Music Industry & Culture Collaborations Phylicia Fant and Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder Founding Partner Josh Binder will be among the entertainment-business figures honored as “Ambassadors of Peace” by the Creative Community for Peace at a Beverly Hills gala on 9/24.

They’ll be feted alongside actress-author Mayim Bialik and Propagate Content Chairman/Co-CEO Ben Silverman.

Said Grainge, “In an era where division often makes headlines, the arts can offer a powerful counter-narrative of connection and joy. I’m thrilled to be acknowledged by CCFP, an organization that epitomizes the transformative impact of the arts. Together, we can continue to build bridges and promote a more harmonious world.”

“Music has always been a universal language that transcends boundaries,” Fant noted. “It’s a privilege to use my role to foster cultural collaborations that inspire and unite. I am deeply grateful to CCFP for this recognition and for their unwavering dedication to promoting peace through the arts.”

“Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact music had on my community, connecting people of different backgrounds and cultures,” Binder commented. “Now more than ever, in these divided times, it’s essential to use our platforms and the arts to bring people together, highlighting the most creative members of different communities and cultures so that people can connect and recognize their shared humanity. CCFP’s mission aligns with my core belief that music builds bridges, and we should do everything within our power to preserve and promote that goal.”

“Our honorees this year exemplify the core values of Creative Community for Peace,” reads the joint quote of David Renzer, CCFP’s chairman, and Ari Ingel, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Their contributions to the entertainment industry promote understanding and peace. We are proud to recognize their efforts and celebrate their achievements.”

For more info about the Ambassadors of Peace event and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/gala/

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