On the heels of the release of an Open Letter in support of Israel signed by 2,000+ entertainment leaders, Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), held its fifth annual “Ambassadors Of Peace” (AOP) event.
AOP honors entertainment leaders who use their platforms to effect positive change in the world and who advance CCFP’s central belief that the arts and entertainment are a powerful force for building cultural bridges.
In addition to celebrating peace, this year’s event contained a more somber tone than in years past. AOP opened with a moment of silence for victims of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th and a collective rendition of “Oseh Shalom,” and the speeches highlighted not only the tenuous situation in Israel, but also the sense of anger, sadness, and fear that Jews around the world feel in this moment.
Gabriel Mann (Artist & Composer) singing Oseh Shalom.
This year’s honorees were Liev Schreiber, Actor, Director, Writer and Producer (A Small Light, Ray Donovan, Golda); Ezekiel Lewis, President, Epic Records (Artists include Future, Travis Scott, Black Eyed Peas); Kat Graham, Actress, Artist & UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador (The Vampire Diaries, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Trolls: TrollsTopia); Aaron Rosenberg, Partner, Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light; and Gustavo Lopez, CEO, Saban Music Group (Artists include Don Omar, Chesca, Yubeili).
The event was held at the Beverly Hills private residence of Sam Schwartz (Co-principal, Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency).
Artists and entertainment professionals from across the industry were in attendance, including Grammy Award-winning artist will.i.am; Co-Founder of Endeavor Rick Rosen; CEO of Mattel Ynon Kreiz; CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr.; Oscar-winning “Golda” Director Guy Nattiv; CEO/Co-Chairman of Warner Records Aaron Bay-Schuck; Songwriter Diane Warren; President of Music, Electronic Arts Steve Schnur; Chairperson of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone; Chairperson & CEO of Capitol Music Group Michelle Jubelirer; President of Virgin Records Jacqueline Saturn; Actress Odeya Rush; Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group Julie Greenwald, and many others.
Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP); Steve Schnur (Co-Founder of CCFP, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic Arts); Harvey Mason jr. (CEO of the Recording Academy); Sylvia Rhone (Chairperson of Epic Records); Zeke Lewis (Honoree); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing).
Artists and leaders paying tribute to this year’s honorees included Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, John Legend, Swizz Beatz, Meghan Trainor, Ciara, Ryan Seacrest, Haim Saban, Deepak Chopra, and others.
CCFP believes in the power of music, sports, film, and television to bring people together and bridge cultural divides. The organization aims to counter antisemitism within the entertainment industry and galvanize support for Israel. By honoring those who use their influence to promote peace, CCFP hopes to highlight the positive impact of the arts and entertainment in creating a more harmonious world.
Meghan Trainor (Artist)
On receiving the award, Liev Schreiber reflected on the urgency of this moment, “Last week, a friend of mine shared an old Hasidic quote with me that took my breath away: ‘There is nothing so whole as a broken heart’… It seems to me that maybe that’s what’s being asked of each of us right now, to think and to act with a broken heart.”
Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP); Ynon Kreiz (Chairman and CEO, Mattel, Inc.); Rick Rosen (Co-Founder, Endeavor); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing).
Honoree Gustavo Lopez shared, “We are here after the horrific events of October 7th (jn Israel) hoping they never ever repeat themselves. In no place on our earth should this ever happen…join me for this to end soon and for peace to reign.”
Steve Schnur (Co-Founder of CCFP, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic Arts); David Renzer (Chairman & Co-Founder of CCFP, Former CEO/Chairman of Universal Music Publishing); Julie Greenwald (Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group); Ari Ingel (Executive Director, CCFP).
will.i.am (Artist, Producer) presents the Ambassadors of Peace award to Zeke Lewis.
CCFP Chairman, David Renzer shared, “To think that 260 innocent girls and young men were killed at a concert is beyond comprehension. It’s unspeakable. I know that you join me in the tears I’ve shed, and the tears we shed for all innocent victims. CCFP believes in coexistence and the power of music and the arts to unite. And that’s what we really have to hope to turn to in better times.”
Honoree Aaron Rosenberg said, “Every group of ‘other,’ whether large or small, deserves to have a homeland where they are free and safe to be ‘other’ without worrying about hate, without worrying about terror…We cannot stand idly by, we cannot stay silent and allow the hate and terror and false propaganda from others to wipe Israel off the map ‘from the river to the sea.’ Everyone, Israelis and Palestinians deserve, everyone deserves a homeland where they’re free and safe to raise their children in peace.”
Tori Kelly (Artist)
CCFP Executive Director Ari Ingel stated, “Americans are finally seeing what CCFP has been screaming about for years, that these anti-Israel groups and BDS activists aren’t interested in peace or coexistence…they’re interested in the destruction of Israel and the demonization of Jews. That’s what BDS is, that’s who these anti-Israel activists are.”
Honoree Ezekiel Lewis shared, “In pain and mourning, we come here tonight seeking peace…This room gives me hope, is a microcosm of what the world can be—people from all different religious and ethnic backgrounds uniting to stand for peace. This is why I value the mission of CCFP, creating an environment where the magic of education and understanding can happen between different communities…. Let the example of this room, this microcosm of peace and diversity, permeate throughout the world. In honor of all of our ancestors, let us continue to use music to unite the world.”
Michelle Jubelirer (Chairperson & CEO of Capitol Music Group)
Honoree Kat Graham said, “I want to express my heartfelt deep gratitude to CCFP for this recognition and for their unwavering commitment to promoting tolerance, diversity, and peace through the arts and culture…organizations like Creative Community for Peace remain particularly indispensable at times like these to foster unity and understanding.” Kat was also gifted a Magen David diamond ring from jeweler Rachie Shnay’s “Mazel” collection.
The beverage hosts for the evening were Casamigos, Golan Winery, and Three Weavers Brewing.
Kat Graham (Actress, Artist & UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador)
Liev Schreiber (Actor, Director, Producer)
The evening concluded with live performances by Epic Records recording artist, Tori Kelly.
Tori Kelly (Epic Records Recording Artist)
For more on this year’s Ambassadors of Peace event, check out coverage in Los Angeles Magazine, watch a video of the event below, and make sure to download a digital copy of the tribute book to see all the beautiful messages from our sponsors. [LINK]
