ATZUM, Righteous Among Nations Filmed Interviews, Jerusalem
Of the one hundred estimated Righteous Gentiles who moved to Israel after the founding of the State, only forty-five are still alive. ATZUM – Justice Works is going to film interviews with these individuals in order to document their stories. Righteous Gentiles are those who protected and rescued Jews during the Holocaust, often at great risk to themselves and their families. In addition to focusing on the heroic acts of rescue during the Holocaust, the interviews will also consider the rescuers’ lives in Israel and the road to integration within Israeli society. The interviews will focus on questions such as: Why did they risk their lives to save another? What made them decide to live in Israel? What is their message for future generations? The materials – the filmed interviews and a booklet – will then be distributed to schools and libraries to heighten awareness of this group. ATZUM – Justice Works was established in 2002 by Rabbi Levi Lauer as an effort to maintain social justice for all of Israel’s citizens and workers. It is the only organization in Israel systematically assisting Righteous Gentiles. Targum Shlishi awarded ATZUM a two-year grant for 2006 and 2007 for this project.