An afternoon at the movies

On March 22, more than 40 people attended an afternoon of films sponsored by Congregation Beth David (CBD), Narragansett, and pro-Israel StandWithUs/RI.

One of the two movies that StandWithUs RI chapter contributed is “Forgotten Refugees.” Originated by The David Project, this film tells the little-known story of the one million Jewish refugees forced from their homes in Arab lands after the establishment of the Jewish State. These refugees, known as mizrahi, or “from the east,” settled largely in Israel and make up about one-half of Israel’s population today.

The film contains not only many first-hand interviews, but also plentiful historical video footage. Alyse Teitelbaum, StandWithUs/RI, answered the question of numerous attendees – why this story is not more widely known. She explained that Israel has had a history of weak hasbara, or public relations, as discussed at a February public program sponsored by  StandWithUs/RI at the Dwares JCC.

Following a break, CBD showed “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life,” the documentary about Holocaust survivor Alice Herz-Sommer. At age 109 in the film, she tells the story of how music saved her life during her time at Theresienstadt concentration camp and in the years afterward.

Commenting on the cooperative program, CBD President Harris Chorney said, “Glad we could do it. It was a good afternoon.”

StandWithUs/RI chapter is a nonprofit pro-Israel education advocacy organization and can be reached at StandWithUsRI@gmail.com.

Howard Brown is a North Kingstown resident and StandWithUs/RI volunteer organizer.