Presented by the Beth Am Oneg Israel and Shabbat Jewish Film Series Committees;
Followed by Q&A With Director Yonatan Nir
The Film Is In English, German and Hebrew With English Subtitles; January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day

“Never in my life have I come in contact with a being so noble, so strong or as selfless as Wilfrid Israel.” —Albert Einstein

Wilfrid Israel, the owner of Berlin's largest department store and a member of one of Germany’s most prominent Jewish families at the time of Hitler’s rise to power, was one of the great saviors of Jews during the Holocaust. He helped save thousands of Jewish children through the Kindertransport operation and secured escape for hundreds of his employees and their family members from Nazi Germany. Yet, curiously, little is known about his personal life and heroic endeavors. Why did his story remain untold? What was there to hide?

Unraveling the elusive mystery behind this unsung hero becomes personal for filmmaker Yonatan Nir, as he takes us on an adventure in search of this extraordinary man and the real reasons for his disappearance from history.

• Watch the preview of Essential Link, The: The Story of Wilfrid Israel
• Watch the TED Talk with filmmaker Yonatan Nir

***This program is free of charge, sponsored by Beth Am's Israel Awareness Committee. Register using the form below by Friday, January 29, 3:30 PM. Discussion and film screening access information will be sent out via email in advance of the event.

Program Agenda:

• 7:00 PM  Havdalah
• 7:15 PM  Film Screening
• 8:30 PM Q&A session with filmmaker Yonatan Nir

Award-winning filmmaker Yonatan Nir has been telling stories for over a decade, from epic photojournalist reports to the critically acclaimed Dolphin Boy which was acquired by Disney Pictures and screened in over 130 film festivals. His films The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel, Dolphin Boy, Cutting the Pain, My Hero Brother, and Picture of His Life have been broadcast on TV channels in over 60 countries and viewed by millions. He is also an acclaimed speaker and film instructor.