Community & Events » 2017 Spirit of Courage Benefit

2017 Spirit of Courage Benefit

Spirit of Courage Benefit

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is celebrating 40 years as an international Jewish human rights organization that defends the safety of Jews worldwide, confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. It is involved in a multitude of community programs, events and social action including lectures and discussions with renowned speakers.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is also hosting the 2017 Spirit of Courage Benefit this Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 with keynote speaker, General David H. Petraeus. During the event, they will be honoring Leo Melamed with the International Leadership Award.

Leo Melamed

Having found long-awaited shelter in the U.S. during World War II, Leo survived the holocaust as a child after escaping Poland with his parents in a feat that took two years and spanned three continents. He grew to become globally recognized as the founder of financial futures.

Leo Melamed currently serves as Chairman Emeritus at CME Group (the Chicago Mercantile Exchange) and has received numerous awards including:

  • The 2005 CME Melamed-Arditti Innovation Award
  • The 2016 State of Illinois Order of Lincoln Award (the highest award conferred by the State of Illinois)
  • The Order of the Rising Sun, bestowed in 2017 by the Emperor of Japan for achievements in advancing world markets

As Chairman and CEO of Melamed & Associates, Inc., a global consulting enterprise, Leo Melamed has revolutionized futures trading and financial markets and was previously named by the former editor of The Chicago Tribune “among the ten most important Chicagoans in business of the 20th Century”.

Also being recognized during this event is Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, recipients of the Guardian of the Future Award, and Kinue Tokudome, who is being honored as a Medal of Valor recipient.

To learn more about the Simon Wiesenthal Center or how you can help support their cause, visit their website at www.wiesenthal.com.