According to Terminator 2, April 19th 2011 was set to be judgement day, the day Skynet would become self aware. Luckily for us, we appeared to have dodged that bullet, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s services were not needed. Last night, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at an Independence Day celebration hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.
In an interview which you can watch in its entirety below, the ex-Governor wished Israel “another 63 years of great joy, peace and a thriving economy and everyone being happy”. Saying, “I’ve had the pleasure of being there many times, and have seen it from a bodybuilding point of view, from a tourist’s point of view, from an entertainer’s point of view, from the governor’s point of view, forming trade relationships with Israel in order. I have been a long-time friend of Israel.”
Israel’s 63rd birthday bash took place at the Skirball Cultural Center and honored dedicated individuals for their support of Israel. The honorees are former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Founder and CEO of Electus Ben Silverman, and President and CEO of LA’s BEST Carla Sanger.
The show opened with emcee Lior Suchard, a renowned Israeli mentalist who has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Suchard welcomed the audience and introduced the award presenters who included Consul General Jacob Dayan, Rabbi Marvin Hier, actor Jason Bateman and Dr. Galit Dayan. Each recipient received an award that was custom-designed by Jeremy Langford, the acclaimed Israeli artist who was recognized with an award for Outstand Achievement by the Walt Disney Company for his magnificent work in the Tunnels of the Western Wall.
The evening showcased musical entertainment including performances by Daniel Mandelman, Noa Dori, Hedva Amrani, Statik Express, Ellis Island Klezmer Band, Classical Trio lead by Ran Kampel, as well as the Los Angeles premiere of Israeli video artist Kutiman’s clip in Jerusalem. The audience was moved to tears and brought to their feet as the evening closed with a new version of the Israeli National Anthem – HaTikva composed by YouTube sensation Francky Perez. David Dassa, along with Milken Community High School student dancers led the crowd in Israeli dancing.
