The Simon Wiesenthal Center will present its prestigious Humanitarian Award to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during its annual gala on October 30 in Beverly Hills.
The Center’s highest honor will be awarded to the seasoned media executive by Steven Spielberg. This accolade is a testament to Zaslav’s extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly his commitment to combatting antisemitism, addressing environmental issues, and promoting public health initiatives.
“David exemplifies the exceptional individuals who leverage their influence for positive change,” remarked Jim Berk, CEO of the Wiesenthal Center. “Through his life and career, he showcases how storytelling can educate, transform perspectives, and foster the empathy necessary for change. His unwavering dedication to truth, compassion, and battling intolerance embodies the essence of this award.”
Since 2022, Zaslav has led WBD, a company currently navigating a public sale process as it plans to split into two distinct entities. Companies like Paramount Skydance are keenly interested in acquiring unique entertainment assets such as Warner Bros. and HBO.
Zaslav emphasized the transformative power of storytelling in addressing the discrimination and violence the Wiesenthal Center aims to combat.
“One of the most effective remedies to hatred is storytelling—narratives that enlighten, shift viewpoints, and remind us of our common humanity,” Zaslav expressed. “With antisemitism escalating in America and globally, it is crucial to oppose hate in all its manifestations. I am truly honored by this acknowledgment and remain committed to supporting the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance, which plays a vital role in confronting prejudice and encouraging understanding.”
Dana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent, will receive the center’s Jewish Heritage Award. Additionally, the center will honor two survivors of the October 7, 2023, terrorist assault by Hamas on Israel—Aya Meydan and Omer Shem Tov—with its Medal of Valor.
The event is anticipated to attract a prominent gathering of entertainment industry leaders. The Wiesenthal Center plans to utilize this influential audience to announce the expansion of its Moriah Media production division. Recently, Moriah Media debuted the drama series “One Day in October,” focused on the October 7 attack, and is developing several projects, including a biopic on David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel.
“We aim to harness storytelling as a unifying and transformative force. The Moriah Media expansion represents remarkable opportunities to narrate compelling stories and influence culture in ways that transcend hate and division,” Berk noted. “We have numerous impactful platforms to promote content that emphasizes narratives fostering tolerance, empathy, and respect.”
