Courtesy photo
Hebrew University of Jerusalem President Prof. Asher Cohen (center) hands the American Friends of the Hebrew University Las Vegas Scopus Award to nationally renowned attorney and philanthropist David Z. Chesnoff. Looking on is (left) Alex Yemenidjian, Chairman of Armenco Capital, LLC who presented the Scopus Award at the Encore.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 2 a.m.
David Z. Chesnoff, a Las Vegas philanthropist and criminal defense attorney, has been honored with an award recognizing his dedication to humanitarian concerns.
American Friends of the Hebrew University presented Chesnoff with the Las Vegas Scopus Award during an event Saturday at the Encore.
The event raised more than $1 million to support student scholarships and the Clinical Legal Education Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Named for Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, the award reflects the university’s “highest ideals of achievement, leadership and philanthropic engagement,” according to the American Friends group.
Chesnoff said he was “humbled to receive this award and that I am being recognized for having tried to be a good person.”
“Israel needs us now more than ever and amidst these turbulent times, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem stands as a beacon of hope, offering students a world-class education and enabling economic and social mobility for young people from all walks of life,” he said in a statement.
Patricia Glaser, American Friends of the Hebrew University western region board vice chair, said Chesnoff had “strengthened the connection between Las Vegas and the Hebrew University. He is deserving of this award for his dedication to Israel, his service to the community, and his support of university initiatives.”
Among the dignitaries recognizing Chesnoff were Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada.
“David deserves the Scopus Award because he exemplifies everything the award represents,” Lombardo said in a statement. “David brings our community together through his volunteerism, benevolence and leadership. There is no one more deserving of this award.”
Rosen sent a video greeting for the event stating, “We’re here tonight to recognize the work and dedication of my friend, Scopus Award recipient David Chesnoff. Mazel tov and congratulations, David. Your service to the Las Vegas community, support of Jewish philanthropy in Nevada and around the country as well as your commitment to Israel have made meaningful contributions to the lives of so many.”
Previous Scopus Award recipients include Barbra Streisand, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Elie Wiesel.
A criminal defense attorney and partner at Chesnoff and Schonfeld, Chesnoff counts Hollywood celebrities and well-known public figures among his clients.
“I think that the world needs to recognize that the attack on Israel was an atrocious terrorist attack, the likes of which the world hasn’t seen. The Israeli response is appropriate, and that everybody has to remember that Hamas is still holding hostages, including Americans, and Israel is our ally,” said Chesnoff, who has previously contributed to fundraising efforts for the university.
In his legal practice, Chesnoff said he was proudest of his work defending clients in death penalty cases, search and seizures and “protection of individual liberties.”
“I believe in the traditions of the religion and showing compassion for people and you know, following the idea that you should be a good and contributing person, and I also find that my heritage makes me want to do what I do as a criminal defense lawyer and protecting people’s constitutional rights,” he said.
