Extraordinary Film Series with
Discussion Led By Rabbi Prystowsky
Pillars of Fire
The “Pillars of Fire” relates the drama of the Jewish People’s return to Zion and the establishment of the State of Israel. It is an extensive documentary production that features rare documentary footage collected from more than thirty archives and private collections throughout the world, as well as many eyewitnesses interviewed. This documentary series also portrays the Jewish-Arab struggle for Palestine. It was a phenomenal hit in Israel when it was shown. Given the current situation in the Middle East, it must be seen. The documentary is divided into seven episodes and will be shown over the following four nights:
Tuesday, September 26, 2006 7:01 PM
Episode One
The Jew Returns – The Arab Awakens 1895-1920
The outbreak of anti-Semitism at the end of the 19th century leads Theodora Herzl to the conclusion that Jews are no longer safe in Europe. He strives for the
creation of a Jewish state in Palestine which will serve as a refuge for persecuted
Jews. During the First World War the British government issues the Balfur
Declaration, that “views with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national
home for the Jewish people”, but this document triggers also the awakening of Arab national movement in Palestine.
Episode Two
The Dream 1914-1929
The Halutzim (pioneers) who arrive in Palestine early in the 1920’s turn the land
into an experimental field of daring utopian ideas: Kibbutzim and Moshavim. The closure of American gates to Jewish immigration makes the Land of Israel
not only a destination for dreamers, but also a haven for Jewish refugees from
Europe. For a while, Palestine is a peaceful spot in the Middle East, but in 1929
The Arabs initiate a wave of riots and massacres.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 7:01 PM
Episode Three
The Rise and Fall of German Jews 1919-1937
A period of freedom and prosperity for the Jews of Germany follows the end
of the First World War. The rise to power of Hitler abruptly changes their destiny. Thousands of Jews immigrate to Palestine. The Arabs respond with
another wave of bloody attacks. Britain proposes the partition of Palestine into
two states – Jewish and Arab.
Episode Four
Who’s Afraid of a Jewish State? 1937-1939
In Europe the power of Nazi Germany increases. Persecution of Jews reaches
its peak during the “Crystal Night”. Ships on high seas are unable to land their
passengers – Jewish refugees – on any shore. The Chamberlain government
abolishes the partition plan and issues an anti- Zionist White Paper.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 7:01 PM
Episode Five
Holocaust 1930-1945
In Europe, the Holocaust unfolds in all its brutal stages: ghettoes and death
camps. And in Palestine there is real anxiety that the German army, on the
offensive in North Africa, will conquer the country. Tens of thousands of
Palestinian Jews volunteer to the British army, but when the war ends with
an allied victory, Jewish hopes of being invited to reap the fruits of triumph
are dashed: they are “the forgotten ally”.
Episode Six
Exodus 1945-1947
The concentration camps survivors returning to their homes in Poland
encounter a resurgence of violent anti-Semitism and pogroms. No western
country offers them a refuge. Britain continues to prevent their entry into
Palestine. All Jewish underground organizations unite in a violent armed
struggle against British Mandate power, while shiploads of survivors attempt to
illegally reach the shores of Palestine. These actions bring about a British
decision to submit the Palestine question to the UN, which recommends a partition of Palestine between Jews and Arabs.
DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE GROUP ON 10/24/06
Episode Seven
A Nation Reborn 1947-1948
An account of the military battles and diplomatic struggles leading to the
establishment of the State of Israel. The Jews manage to lift the siege of
Jerusalem and the American attempt to reverse the UN partition resolution
fail. On the day the British Mandate ends, David Ben Gurion declares the
independence of the State of Israel.
