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The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
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His parents came to America as
refugees and, while they were proud
Jews, they may have become even
prouder Americans, according to
Blitzer. The CNN anchor called them
“among the most patriotic Americans
I have ever known.” They even flew
the American flag outside their house
year-round, not just on Memorial
Day and July 4.

“They truly loved this country, and
they were so grateful to the U.S. and
the American people,” Blitzer said.

That personal history explains why
the Weitzman honor is important to
the anchor, despite his many career
achievements. “I just wish my parents, who have
both passed away, could have been with
us to witness this evening,” he said.

“They would have been so proud.”
But for Blitzer, the honor also tran-
scends his personal story. As a Jew,
he believes in every aspect of the
Weitzman’s mission.

He said it’s important to make sure
that the next Jewish generation under-
stands our history. He also thinks it’s
perhaps just as vital to help non-Jews
gain an appreciation for the history of
Jews in America.

“And we do have a very proud history
in this country,” Blitzer added.

Misha Galperin, the president and
CEO of the Weitzman, believes that
Blitzer is a big part of that story.

Galperin explained that the museum
celebrates “both what America offered
to the Jewish people and what the
Jewish people give back to America.”
America offered the Blitzer family
a chance at freedom and prosperity;
and their son grew up to become a
renowned journalist who also rep-
resents the profession’s lofty values.

“The value of reporting and a free
press. All the things responsible and
good journalists do,” Galperin said.

Galperin first met Blitzer in 2002 at
the home of the Israeli ambassador in
Washington, D.C. Since then, he has
known Blitzer to be a serious supporter
of Jewish causes and institutions like the
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Two of Blitzer’s close friends, Ernie
Grunfeld (a former NBA player and
general manager) and Ed Cohen, say
that’s no joke. The man really does care
deeply about his religion.

Grunfeld lauded the anchor’s com-
mitment to “shining a light on the
events of the Holocaust” and to edu-
cating people around the world to “try
to ensure that it never happens again.”
Cohen said, “The traditions of Judaism
are important to him.”
“Things that are part of his makeup
that help ground him in a turbulent
world,” the friend added.

At the gala, Blitzer will give a speech,
enjoy a video about his life and work
and stay for the remainder of the event,
which will also include the unveiling of
the Colleyville exhibition. Then, once
it ends, he will continue to encourage
visits to the Weitzman, he said.

The CNN anchor called the muse-
um’s mission “more timely than ever.”
His mission, though, remains the
same, even in these turbulent and
polarized times.

“I believe it’s always best for us to
report the news as honestly and as
fairly as we can,” Blitzer said. “Ever
since I started my career in journalism,
I have always tried to do that.” JE
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