Supporters of Israel's first responders honor Lois Pope at first gala since pandemic

When The American Friends of Magen David's (MDA) Palm Beach gala returned to the social scene after a three-year pandemic break, it was a serious-funny evening.

Serious cause.

Funny guy.

The gala took place April 16 at The Breakers and honored Manalapan resident Lois Pope as Humanitarian of the Year.

Year? How about, like, ever? The woman just donated her 16th Mobile Intensive Care Unit to MDA — the two most recent in honor of good friend Tova Leidesdorf — making her the largest non-Jewish benefactor of the Israeli emergency medical service organization.

More Palm Beach society news here.

Laurie Luskin and Karen Kroner were chairwomen for the evening, which included a cocktail reception and remarks from actor/game show host/comic/germaphobe Howie Mandel, who did double duty as both emcee and entertainer.

Pretty good at both, he was.

The night's highlight was the presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year honor to Pope, who told of her love of Israel, and her admiration of the country’s tenacity amid frequently challenging circumstances.

“I’m not just helping give the gift of life, I’m getting the same thing in return,” said Pope. “I really feel that my life is so much more fulfilled and meaningful because of these gifts.”

“We are so grateful for the continued and generous support of Lois Pope,” said Tammy Karu, director of the Southeast Region of American Friends of Magen David Adom. “Her desire to save lives locally and in Israel are just two examples of her extraordinary humanity and kindness.”

The evening continued with dinner and dancing.

Kevin Luskin and Gene Kroner were chairmen.

More than 400 people attended.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Supporters of Israel's first responders honor Lois Pope