The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles’ third annual Jewish-Latino celebration Fiesta Shalom took place Nov. 22, attracting more than 200 elected officials, celebrities and other influential community members to the iconic East Los Angeles Tamayo Restaurant and Art Gallery.
The event underscored the Jewish and Hispanic communities’ mutual support of Israel, with popular Hispanic comedian and actor George Lopez among the attendees who spoke in praise of the Jewish homeland.
“The people of Israel were very kind to me, very generous to me,” Lopez said, discussing a 2014 trip he took to Israel, adding that he saw “amazing things” being excavated under the Western Wall.
“I will consider you, sir, and the State of Israel as a friend of George Lopez,” he said, addressing Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles David Siegel, who, for his part, emphasized the importance of growing Jewish-Latino relationships in Los Angeles and beyond.
“Together, we are forging partnerships across the country and building a path forward, a future together. What better place to do so than Los Angeles, one of the most vibrant, diverse and dynamic cities in the world?” Siegel said during his remarks.
The invitation-only gathering, which was held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., also drew Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles Carlos Sada.
“Jewish and Latino communities share a multitude of values,” Sada said.
The event recognized Dina Siegel Vann, director of the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs at American Jewish Committee, with the Golda Meir Visionary Leadership Award, and David Lizarraga, founder and chairman of TELACU Education Foundation, with the Theodor Herzl Visionary Leadership Award.
MundoMax news anchor Palmira Perez-Najarian served as emcee, and musician Noa Dori was among those who performed.
Additional attendees included actor Edward James Olmos, former U.S. Congressman Howard Berman, L.A. City Councilmen Bob Blumenfield and Paul Koretz, L.A. City Controller Ron Galperin, philanthropists Isaac and Miri Shepher, and others.
Law enforcement officials of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) East Los Angeles Station were on the scene.
“We were surprised to have an event like this here,” LASD Sgt. Gerry Madrid told the Journal, following the event, with regard to a Jewish community predominantly based on the Westside organizing an event in East Los Angeles. “But we’re here for you guys.”
Last year, Fiesta Shalom was held on a yacht at Marina del Rey.
Many speakers this year emphasized the commonalities between the Jewish and Latino communities of Los Angeles.
“We both understand what immigration and Diaspora is about,” Galperin said during brief remarks.
Also in attendance was former L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who was among those enjoying a cocktail hour that kicked off the gathering. And as a trio of musicians performed Mexican music for a crowd enjoying drinks and treats, he said the event was a reminder of the importance of creating bridges.
“Building on the good relations we have [with] the Hispanic community is extremely important in Southern California and across the nation. This is an annual event, and I lend my support to it with my presence,” Yaroslavsky said in an interview. “I think it’s essential for both communities.”
Dinner in a large dining room followed the cocktail hour. Latin American artwork, including a large painting depicting a last supper with Jesus and his disciples with watermelon on the table, adorned the walls of the space, which held approximately 20 banquet tables. Siegel and his wife, Myra Clark-Siegel, an employee of American Jewish Committee, were among those seated at the room’s main table, along with Lopez, California State Assembly Speaker Emeritus John Perez, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Congresswoman Judy Chu and others.
For Siegel, the night, which concluded with a musical performance by Dori, was also about bidding farewell — or, shalom — to communities within which he has worked since becoming consul general in 2011.
“As I begin my last year as consul general of Israel to the Southwest United States, I am so incredibly proud of the rich diversity of our joint efforts together,” he said. “Let these two simple but powerful words be our call for action: Celebrate peace. Fiesta Shalom.
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