F

CAST A GIANT SHADOW  (1966)

Cas

A part fact, part fiction dramatization of Israel’s 1947-48 struggle for independence. Kirk Douglas stars as the legendary David “Mickey” Marcus—an American Jew and World War II hero who volunteered as a military advisor to Israel and became the new state’s first general. Part realistic war story and part romance, this film also stars Angie Dickinson, Yul Brynner, John Wayne and Frank Sinatra.

2 hrs. 22 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

956.94

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL (1948)  (Pillar of Fire, Chapter 19)

Los

(1981)

Following the lifting of the siege of Jerusalem, the tide of war turns in the Jews' favor—but the United States calls for a special UN session in an attempt to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state. Realizing that it is a matter of now or never, Ben‑Gurion reads Israel's Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948, and the State of Israel becomes a reality. Study guide available.

Color/B&W. 1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.439

EVERY YEAR COME SPRING  (1987)

Eve

This film takes a close look at Israel’s ceremonies surrounding Yom Ha’Zikaron (Israel’s memorial day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s independence day). Includes interviews with three generations of an Israeli family which lost a member in the Yom Kippur War. Produced by the World Zionist Organization. Study guide available. Note: The opening and closing segments of the video involve three college students in Israel working on a video project about Jewish holidays. Teachers may wish to skip these—as the acting is poor and the situation is artificial—and focus on the main segment.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

EXODUS  (1960)

Exo

Chronicles the plight of postwar Jews in their fight to establish a homeland in Israel, and covers Israel’s war for liberation. Based on the book Exodus by Leon Uris. Stars Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint.

2 cassettes. 3 hrs. 28 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.43

FLOWERS FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY  (Parpar Nechmad Series)  (1990)

Par

Jewish holidays and traditions presented through games, songs, stories and puppets. Two additional Parpar Nechmad shows are included on this video—Boxes and Summer. Note: The Hebrew spoken is intended for fluent speakers.

In Hebrew. 25 min. each show.  AGE: 6 to 10

909.04

INTO THE FUTURE (1945-Present)  (Heritage: Civilization and the Jews, Chapter IX)

Her

(1984)

Part of the “Heritage” series which chronicles over 3,000 years of Jewish history, thought, and culture. This chapter looks at the birth of the State of Israel; the plight of Soviet Jewry; relations between the Jews of Israel and those in other parts of the world; the meaning of Jewish identity today. Topics covered include “Israel,” “Oppressed Jewry” and “In the Western World.” Study guide available.

1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult

956.94

ISRAEL: BIRTH OF A NATION  (1998)

Isr

Noted historian Martin Gilbert hosts this documentary about Israel’s War for Independence, the fight to establish a new state. Through documentary film clips and interviews with those who fought in the war, we see the major events in Israel’s birth, 1947–1949. The film begins with the Partition Plan in 1947, when Arabs begin to attack the Jews—and ends with the armistice and setting of borders in 1949—borders which lasted 19 years. A total of 6,000 Jews were killed in this war—1% of the population. Also shown are the main military groups of Jews who fought this war—the Haganah, the Palmach and the Irgun. An informative look at the war launched at the very birth of this new nation—a war from which arose some of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history. Made for the History Channel.

Color/B&W. 1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

956.94

MAY 14, 1948

May

Documentary of film clips from the 1948 War of Independence and the events leading to the first Independence Day.

B&W. 20 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult