[ Editor's note: When the horrific events in Israel unfolded on Oct 7, The Asper Foundation gave serious consideration to cancelling its event in honour of Moe Levy's retirement and The Asper Foundation’s 40th Anniversary. But, after a deep discussion and encouraged by our Israeli friends, The Asper Foundation decided to proceed with the event and give thanks to Moe for the work he has done to repair the world in general and fight for human rights in particular. The song below that was sung at the event was written by Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., L.L.D, Chair of the Asper Foundation]
Part 1- to the tune of "I’d like to teach the world to sing"
Izzy longed to teach the world to live
In perfect harmony
So he hired Moe and 14000 kids went to DC.
Izzy dreamed up the CMHR
Told Moe- Get the Feds to lend a hand
Izzy picked a site right at the Forks
Gave Moe a week to get the land
Izzy said let’s strengthen Israel
So for years of 23
Moe's helped entrepreneurs and education
And combatted poverty
Moe's the real thing
What the world needs today (that's Moe levy)
Moe's the real thing
Part 2- to the tune of “I'm a Believer”
Moe thought his job was more or less a giving thing
Seems he had to raise more than he gave
What's the use complaining? (da, da, da, da)
Optimisms best! (da, da, da, da)
Till the job was done he'd never rest
And we got this place! (Arms out wide)
Go go Moe Go
Cuz he's a believer!
Go Moe go
Not a trace
Go go Moe go
Of doubt in his mind
We all love MOE cuz he's a believer
We wouldn’t be here if he resigned!
Yes we got this place! (Go go Moe go)
Now we're all believers (go Moe Go)
Not a trace (go go Moe go)
Of doubt in his mind (go go Moe go)
We all love Moe cause he’s a believer
We wouldn’t be here if he’d resigned
Part 3 – to the tune of “Feeling Groovy”
Moe won’t slow down, he moves too fast
Has seven meetings and a plane to catch
He’s racing ‘round Israel’s cobblestone
Making donations that’s Moe Levy
Ba da da da da da da – that’s Moe Levy
Hello U of M – what you knowin’?
Diversity Gardens – you’re really growin’
United Way, arts programs too
Jewish groups say thanks to you
Ba da da da da da da – thanks Moe Levy
Now you’ve no deeds to do, no promises to keep
Your legacy’s awesome now please get some sleep
Spend the morning time swimming and drinking mint tea
Moe we love you, thanks Moe Levy
Ba da da da da da da – thanks Moe Levy
Part 4 – to the tune of “He Dreamed the Impossible Dream”
He dreamed the impossible dream
He fought the PMO
He bore with bureaucracy nightmares
Hired Antoine from New Mexico
This was his quest to reach for the stars
He’d never have done it without nights in the bar
Fought FOR human rights without question or pause
He was willing to march into hell for this heavenly cause
And we know that because he stayed true
Izzy’s dream was fulfilled
We’re so proud the Museum’s on the ten dollar bill
And the world is now better for this
That this man with his mustache so large
Still strove, dressed in suits by Armani to reach the unreachable star