David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s President and CEO, receives the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s (SWC) top Humanitarian Award on October 30, 2025. Steven Spielberg presents it during SWC’s annual dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Zaslav earns this for bold leadership against hate. He champions understanding through storytelling. Moreover, he supports Jewish causes actively.
Zaslav fights antisemitism tirelessly. He backs groups like SWC, USC Shoah Foundation, and Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. Additionally, his philanthropy boosts education, environment, and health. Thus, he builds a compassionate world. “David wields influence for good,” says SWC CEO Jim Berk. Berk praises Zaslav’s empathy-driven stories. They educate and transform views.
Zaslav adds, “One of the most powerful antidotes to hatred is storytelling—the kind that opens eyes, shifts perspectives and reminds us of our shared humanity,” said Zaslav. “With antisemitism on the rise in America and around the world, it is more important than ever to stand up against hate in all its forms. I’m deeply honored by this recognition and proud to continue my support of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance, whose essential work continues to make a profound impact in confronting prejudice and inspiring understanding.”
He honors SWC’s Museum of Tolerance. Their work inspires understanding. Berk announces Moriah Media’s expansion next. This Academy Award-winning unit grows into films, series, and shorts. They combat hate and promote tolerance.
Furthermore, Zaslav’s leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery shapes global brands. These include HBO, CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Discovery Kids. His efforts amplify truth and strengthen communities.
Meanwhile, SWC’s Moriah Media expands into feature films, series, and short-form content. This Academy Award-winning division crafts stories that inspire tolerance. For example, One Day in October premiered on HBO Max on October 7, 2025. Produced with Fox Entertainment Studios, it shares 10/7 survivor accounts. Other projects, like the Lost Paradise series and a David Ben-Gurion documentary, are in production.
“We intend to use storytelling as a force for unity and change. The expansion of Moriah Media presents extraordinary opportunities to tell powerful stories and shape culture in ways that overcome hate and division. We have so many influential platforms to elevate content that focuses on stories that inspire tolerance, empathy, and respect,” added Berk.
For instance, “One Day in October” premiered on HBO Max October 7, 2025. It features 10/7 survivor tales with Fox Entertainment. Upcoming projects include “Lost Paradise” series and a Ben-Gurion documentary. “We shape culture through unity,” Berk states. Stories elevate tolerance and respect.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center honored Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav at its annual Humanitarian Award Dinner, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and commitment to combating antisemitism.
CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and October 7 survivors Aya Meydan and Omer Shem Tov were also honored for their courage in confronting hate.
The gala raised a record $4.3 million, supporting the Center’s global education, advocacy, and storytelling initiatives, including the development of the Museum of Tolerance’s largest-ever exhibition and its growing fleet of Mobile Museums of Tolerance (MMOT) across the U.S.
Attendees included Steven Spielberg, Jon Bon Jovi, Shari Redstone, Robert Kraft, David Geffen, Aryeh Bourkoff, Jacqueline Maddison, Vin Diesel, Ted Sarandos, and Mark Shapiro, among many leaders in entertainment and philanthropy.
Additional Honorees
Jewish Heritage Award: Dana Bash
Dana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent, anchors Inside Politics and State of the Union. Her reporting tackles major political stories. Her CNN Special Report, Rising Hate: Antisemitism in America, exposes antisemitism’s mainstream surge. As a bestselling author, Bash earns this award for her impactful journalism.
Medal of Valor: Aya Meydan
Aya Meydan, a mother from Kibbutz Be’eri, faced terror on October 7, 2023. While cycling, she was trapped by Palestinian terrorists. Hiding with Bedouin worker Hisham Alkarnawi, she survived thanks to his family’s daring rescue. Aya now shares stories of loss and courage.
Medal of Valor: Omer Shem Tov
At 21, Omer Shem Tov was kidnapped from the Nova Festival. He endured 50 days in a Gaza pit, facing darkness and abuse. Learning Arabic helped him survive. After crawling through terror tunnels, his release captivated the world. His resilience inspires many.
SWC, a global Jewish human rights group, fights antisemitism and promotes tolerance. It holds status at the UN, UNESCO, and other bodies. Moriah Media, its storytelling arm, delivers authentic content worldwide. Together, they drive meaningful change.
SWC combats antisemitism globally. It teaches Holocaust lessons for tolerance. Moriah Media crafts inspiring content. Together, they drive change.