Alex Blavatnik - Miracles in Plain Sight: Gala Host's Address - Colel Chabad Miami Gala 2026

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and great pleasure to introduce the host of tonight's evening involved Kabad for many years, the host of the beautiful FA forum, Mr. Alex Pvatnik. Alex dedicates each year both to be here to take a lead in these activities. I would also like to take make a special thank you to Shira Ayash for the beautiful setup that she comes in every year with such passion, love and dedication to make sure the room it looks so beautiful. Ladies and gentlemen, if everybody could please find your seat and your undivided attention. Okay. >> Thank you. Always good to have so many Dukmans around. So, good evening dear friends. I stand before you tonight echoing the sentiments of many filled with immense pride and most importantly awe at what we have witnessed this past week. It's all too easy for adults to dismiss the Purim story, the book of Esther, as a mere fable. While it's a remarkable tale, it can feel too incredible to take literally. Yet, this week has unfolded in a way that mirrors the Porum narrative almost exactly. Remarkably, it occurs at the same time of year as the original Puram story. The facts are undeniable. A modern-day Haman has spent four decades plotting the destruction of the Jewish people. His intentions are crystal clear. He commands the loyalty of hundreds of thousands of fanatical killers and international terrorists. armed with a vast arsenal including thousands of ballistic missiles. And where is this powerful Haman in Iran? The very Persia of the Purum story. However, this Haman did not meet his end by hanging. Instead, he was obliterated along with his key advisers and henchmen. by Jews, by by us, the very people he sought to annihilate. And when did this occur? In the Jewish month of Adar, nearly on the very day of Purum. You can't truly make this up. We're all witnesses. The greatest parallel is that God's name is absent from this entire narrative. Yet his presence is profoundly felt as we connect the dots of our current events with the original mgilla of 2500 years ago. In our liturgy, we refer to the miracles of Hanukkah and Purum asim hahim basman haz in those ancient days and in our time. I always viewed these words as mere expressions, but I realize now how prophetic they are. We're truly we're truly living in the modern-day Purum. The second purum not only promises the salvation of our beloved state of Israel, but also could shift the global landscape, potentially marking the decline of malignant Islamism that threatens all of civilization. What we're witnessing fills us with pride for both Israel and America. Personally, as someone who came to this country as a refugee, seeking freedom and safety as a Jew, I'm especially grateful. I see America living up to its ideals as the land of the free and home of the brave. As for our other home, our spiritual home of Israel, words fail to capture the heroism, brilliance, resilience, and creativity that define the Jewish people in every sphere of human of human endeavor. And this brings me back to the essence of Purim. This unique holiday has cherished practices. One of which is reading the McGill. For me, it is no longer just a legend. It's history. Another vital practice, especially at this time of year, is giving to the poor. As the McGill states, they are to observe them as days of feasting and merry making as and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and gifts to the poor. Dear friends, Sudaka is the heart of Kal Habad. It is why we gather here tonight. Saddaka is not merely an act of perform on Porum. It is a yearlong commitment. Hunger and poverty are not seasonal. For those in need, challenges like food, clothing, and shelter are daily realities. Through Kal Habad, we are dedicated to meeting this challenge all year long. However, this year is different. The urgency and significance of our of our gifts to the poor carry an added dimension of holiness. And I'm truly grateful to be here with all of you tonight. May God bless us all and especially the people of Israel and the United States. Thank you.