He has depicted the slick salesman Ricky Roma in David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross. A fearless newspaper editor in the Oscar-winning Spotlight. A Hollywood fixer in the series Ray Donovan. A Jewish resistance fighter in the film Defiance. A heavyweight boxer-twice--in the films Jakob the Liar and Chuck. Actor, writer, director, and producer Liev Schreiber--both a Tony-winning and Emmy-nominated star--is known for these powerhouse performances and many more in film, TV, and live theater.
Off the stage and screen, Schreiber is a powerhouse, too, in making change in the world.
His maternal grandfather, a Jewish Ukrainian immigrant to the United States, an influential figure in Schreiber's life, inspired him to explore his roots. Since Russia invaded Ukraine more than three years ago, he has dedicated many of his own resources to helping the people of his ancestral home. Also, since the October 7th attacks on Israel, Schreiber has been outspoken in standing with the people of Israeli, and in denouncing the climate of pervasive antisemitism.
Schreiber--who most recently starred in Netflix's The Perfect Couple with Nicole Kidman-- will discuss his body of creative work and his humanitarian efforts when he headlines JUF Women's Philanthropy Spring Event 2025 on Wednesday, May 14, at The Fairmont Chicago. "I could not be more thrilled to welcome Liev Schreiber as our keynote speaker," said Heather Schwartz, Spring Event Chair, Young Women's Board. "His powerful storytelling, deep connection to his Jewish heritage, and commitment to humanitarian work make him the perfect voice for this moment. I know his presence will inspire and resonate with our community in a truly meaningful way."
In March 2022, when the war began, Schreiber co-founded BlueCheck Ukraine, a network that identifies and funds grassroots organizations to provide lifesaving and other humanitarian work to Ukraine. He was inspired to create the organization after spending time in Poland and Ukraine, meeting with Ukrainian refugees of the war. During Passover that year, he helped cook brisket for displaced Ukrainians. Since then, Schreiber has consistently visited the war-torn country, where he has met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Along with featuring Schreiber, this year's Spring Event will likely serve as a source of comfort and solidarity at a trying time for the Jewish people. "Gathering together at a JUF Women's Philanthropy event is important during these challenging times," said Elizabeth Copeland, Spring Event Chair, Women's Board. "As a group with a shared identity, we can reinforce our united strength and join forces to raise awareness, fight antisemitism, and address the needs of our community at home and around the world."
The JUF Women's Philanthropy Spring Event featuring Liev Schreiber will take place on Wednesday, May 14, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at The Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus Drive). The luncheon costs $100 and women who make an individual gift of $365 or more to the 2025 JUF Annual Campaign are invited to attend. Registration closes on May 7. Valet will be available for $41; self-parking can be found on SpotHero. To register for the event, visit
JUF.org/SpringEvent
.
