Harvey Weinstein at the Algemeiner 'JEWISH 100' Gala. Photo: Sarah Rogers.

Famed film producer Harvey Weinstein presented Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel with the Algemeiner newspaper’s ‘Warrior for Truth’ award at its recent star studded 40th anniversary ‘JEWISH 100’ Gala.

“My mother, the Miriam of Miramax […] was so thrilled when she heard that I was presenting to Professor Wiesel,” Weinstein said as he called on the professor to accept the award.

“I am happy to be here on the Algemeiner’s 40th anniversary and to celebrate their top 100,” Weinstein added. Commenting on the venue of the event he joked, “I never knew a place like Guastavino’s could have potato latkes that good.”

“I think there would be no ‘Schindler’s List,’ no ‘Life is Beautiful,’ no ‘Reader,’ so many of the movies that us in the industry have been involved in about the Holocaust, came from that first seminal book which was ‘Night,’ which continues to inspire me,” said Weinstein.

“I know that Elie Wiesel is beloved by leaders , I met George Bush, George Bush 43, and he told me of his great affection for Professor Wiesel, so did Bill Clinton, so did Barak Obama,” gushed Weinstein.

“To be honored in that way is very special,” said Wiesel upon receipt of the award, “why is it so special? Because I used to be a journalist,” he continued.

“You made me love films, it is only thanks to you, really I was not part of films, my life was books,” the Nobel Laureate told Weinstein. “Because at one point you came in my life and now I like films too, especially those that you make,” Wiesel added.

“It was very special for us to host these two great friends of The Algemeiner for our 40 year milestone,” said Editor Dovid Efune, “It was a moving and most appropriate presentation.”

Founded in 1972 as a Yiddish broadsheet by veteran journalist Gershon Jacobson, The Algemeiner today under the direction of publisher Simon Jacobson and editor Dovid Efune publishes a weekly newspaper in English and runs  this ever popular website. The Algemeiner was recently referred to by CNBC as ‘the fastest growing Jewish newspaper in the United States.”

Watch the video of Weinstein and Wiesel’s exchange below: