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Friday, July 07, 2006

Jon Voight Message To Chabad Dinner

by Justin Cohen

Friday 7th of July 2006

Hollywood actor Jon Voight has spoken passionately about the “wisdom of Judaism” in a specially recorded message for Chabad House of Hendon’s annual fundraising dinner.

The Academy Award winner, who is the father of Angelina Jolie, told an audience of more 200 at the Hendon Hall Hotel that he is “in awe of everything that Judaism stands for” and is committed to fighting anti-semitism.

Voight, 68, who has starred in Coming Home and Midnight Cowboy, said: “Without the wisdom of Judaism and Torah life as we know it would cease to exist.” He added: “Judaism has always been and always will be an instruction for the world in how to exist in peace and harmony.”

Rabbi Gershon Overlander approached the actor to record the message following the latter’s long association with the founder of Chabad West Coat in America, which has included dancing in annual star- studded telethon.

In his message, Voight praised Chabad and said he wished he could join the guests to dance.

Speaking after last week’s event, during which Stanley Leisure PLC founder Lord Leonard Steinberg spoke about Jewish business ethic s and his work as a peer, Rabbi Overlander told TJ: “We were extremely proud and honoured to have Jon Voight send his message of support. It is hard to convey the warmth with which he spoke.”

He added: “The event was a great success from every perspective. Everyone had a fantastic, enjoyable evening and saw first hand the important work we are doing for the Jewish community in Hendon and responded accordingly.”

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