The Israel Film Fest resumes in L.A. for a 36th year with a glimpse into Israeli culture - beyond this year's war headlines

After 2 ½ years of delays due to the pandemic and the on-going war, the 36th ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL in Los Angeles, the largest showcase of Israeli films in the United States, held its sold-out Gala Opening Night at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on November 13th, 2024. 

Hon. Israel Bachar, Ynon Kreiz, Gal Gadot, Ms. Tom Nesher, and Meir Fenigstein

Among those joining IFF Festival founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein were Ynon Kreiz, Mattel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who was presented by actress/producer Gal Gadot with the 2024 IFF Industry Leadership Award. Also in attendance was Israel Bachar, Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles, and writer/director Tom Nesher, whose film Come Closer, Israel’s Academy Award submission for Best International Film, had its West Coast Premiere at the Festival event. Fifteen visiting Israeli filmmakers and actors who have movies in the Festival also joined the celebration. 

The Israel Film Fest L.A. during a year of news of war and protesters' maligning. Meir Fenigstein, Exec. Director,and Sharona Farber, composer.

 

How has anti-Israel newsreporting influenced interest in Israeli films? LA Consul Gen @ IsraFilmFest

 

Will war-coverage or protest-bias prejudice Oscar Academy voters on Ms. Tom Nesher's "Come Closer?"

 

Mr. Kreiz noted to the audience that he fondly recalled being an Israel Film Festival volunteer 31 years ago in Los Angeles while he was studying at UCLA. Gadot, when presenting her friend Kreiz with his award, said “We both champion this festival because it champions bold voices, breaking barriers through the power of storytelling. It is why, amidst the chaos in our world, this week we celebrate the enduring, unstoppable Israeli creativity. And why tonight, we celebrate a man who understands every story’s potential to transport, transform and transcend.”

Why did #GalGadot salute #Barbie's fellow #Israeli-Amer filmmaker, Ynon Kreiz? #IsraelFilmFest's #MeirFenigstein

 

Meir Fenigstein welcomed the audience, noting “We are proud to present during this year’s Festival more than 40 new feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, and our new initiative of a student short film competition. We remain dedicated to fulfilling our promise to our generous sponsors, our community partners, the beloved filmmakers and their great films, and our wonderful audiences to bring Israeli culture and cinema to Hollywood which has, and will always stand with, the creative community of Israel.” 

How Israel Film Fest represents a return to roots for honoree, Ynon Kreiz, exec pdcr Mattel's "Barbie"

"Wonder Woman" actress, Gal Gadot honors fellow Israeli-American, Ynon Kreiz, "Barbie" Executive Producer and Mattel CEO, on opening night. Comic actor, Elon Gold, introduces Ms. Gadot with amusing observations.

Taking place through November 26th, the ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL screenings will show at the Laemmle Royal Theatre (West Los Angeles) and the Laemmle Town Center 5 (Encino).

Visit  https://IsraelFilmFestival.com for more information, schedules and tickets.

Veterans Day: Tribute to Jewish, U.S. Medal of Honor recipients: Col. Jack Jacobs (Vietnam War- era) and Benjamin Salomon (WWII- era) in L.A.

The War against the West, launched by Iran's proxies around Israel on October 7th, 2023 was exacerbated by antagonist riots and media around the world. Communist and jihadist militarism increased the need for deterrent preparedness from Israel, the United States, Taiwan, and NATO / Ukraine. During the past year, media propaganda has vilified the image of the Jewish State of Israel, Zionism, and exacerbated antisemitism against Jews in the Diaspora.

Negative press about Israel's war against Hamas and Hezbollah has revived antisemitic challenges to Jewish ethos toward non-Jews. Israel's ameliorating Hamas' attacks have come more through military than diplomacy through the Biden administration's appointed Qatar. Social-media spreads accusations of Jewish dual allegiance to our native diaspora countries. Factual media reminding the public of Jews' military contributions to Western nations' freedoms are necessary. Moreover, according to many military analysts, the US, Israel, and allied forces need to fortify their ranks through military and national service from our younger citizens. 

In spring of 2023, the good offices of Ms. Stephanie Stone (the Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for Los Angeles County) combined with the initiative of Mr. Greg Lee (a Jewish War Veterans California State former Commander) to host NBC/MSNBC military analyst, Col. Jack Jacobs - a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient - to participate in a day of Minorities and Women Veteran activities at Patriot Hall in Los Angeles.

In the morning, the Department gave regional an opportunity to Col. Jacobs participated in a roundtable discussion with an aggregation of Southern California, veterans' affairs officials. In this exclusive video interview, Col. Jacobs emphasizes the historical contributions of Jewish Americans in serving in the military and stresses the importance of recognizing and honoring these contributions. He also discusses the challenges faced by Jewish Medal of Honor recipients in being recognized for their bravery due to discrimination.

 Col. Jack Jacobs at 4/23 CalVet event which saluted him and
Capt. Benjamin Salomon, both Jewish US Medal of Honorees

Col. Jacobs expressed his concerns about the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran, and highlights the need for better policies to prevent such proliferation. Additionally, he touches upon the media's portrayal of Israel, acknowledging the presence of bias in media coverage and emphasizing the importance of educating the public on issues affecting national security and the defense of allies. He discusses the increase in anti-Semitism and the need for political leaders to do a better job of educating the public to decrease it. He emphasizes that elected leaders play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and must work harder to inform their supporters and combat anti-Semitic beliefs.          

In keeping with the theme of Minorities and Women Veterans affairs, Patriot Hall presented an afternoon event to educate officials and the military and veterans' community. 

The afternoon ceremony highlighted Jewish War Veterans and Jewish US Medal of Honor recipients, WWII dentist Capt. Ben Salomon (a Los Angeleno - honored through painter David Schwartz and Rep. Brad Sherman's District Director Scott Abrams) and Col. Jack Jacobs in person. 

Here is an excerpt from Col. Jacobs' remarks to the gathering in which he relates the story of Ted Rubin, a Jewish soldier whose nomination for Medal of Honor was bigotedly denied 5 times, only to be conceded 55 years after  his documented bravery.

Part 1: Honoring Jewish-American, US Medal-of-Honor Heroes- Ben Salomon, WWII, & Jack Jacobs- Vietnam. Welcome from Jim Zenner, Director of M.V.A.; Color Guard: N. Valley Military Institute; National Anthem performed by N. Valley Military Institute Band; Intro to Emcee: Jim Zenner; Program Overview: Major Michael Gregory; Presentation to Honorees from Rep. Brad Sherman: District Director Scott Abrams; Chaplain Dov Cohen; JWV Calif State Commander Col. Dr. Gerry Silver introducing National Commander, Nelson Mellitz.

 

Part 2

David Schwartz personalizes his painting poster of Capt. Ben Salomon
for Mr. Mat Millen, Cmndr, JWV Santa Monica Post

Captain Ben Salomon was born September 1, 1914, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the USC Dental School in 1937 and began a dental practice. In 1940, he was drafted into the United States Army and began his military service as an infantry private, qualifying expert in rifle and pistol. 

In 1942, he was notified that he would become an officer in the Army Dental Corps and was commissioned a first lieutenant. In May 1943, he was serving as the regimental dental officer of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1944. 

In June 1944, Salomon saw his first combat — going ashore on Saipan with the 105th Infantry. Salomon volunteered to replace the 2nd Battalion's surgeon, who had been wounded. As the 2nd Battalion advanced, casualties were high. On July 7, Salomon's aid station was set up only 50 yards behind the forward foxhole line. Fighting was heavy and a major Japanese assault soon overran the perimeter, then the aid station. Salomon was able to grab an M1 Garand that was near him, kill the enemy that entered the hospital tent and ordered the wounded to be evacuated, while he stayed and fired upon the incoming enemy with an M1917 machine gun to cover their withdrawal. 

When an Army team returned to the site days later, Salomon's body was found

slumped over the machine gun deceased, with the bodies of 98 enemy troops piled up in front of his position. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2002 by President George W. Bush only after his military courage was campaigned by USC Dental School alumnus, Dr. Robert West.