Jewish Rescue in the Philippines Explored in New York Film

The Filipino and Jewish communities alike were treated to an enlightening history class on their shared past during a film-viewing-lecture entitled “An Open Door: Jewish Rescue in the Philippines” November 17 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York.

Organized by the Philippine Consulate General, in cooperation with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the Filipino American National Historical Societies (FANHS) of New York and of New Jersey, the event featured a 35-minute preview of the film “An Open Door,” which is directed by Noel Izon and documents the story of Jewish rescue in the Philippines during the Holocaust, when President Manuel Quezon and US High Commissioner to the Philippines Paul McNutt devised a plan to bring 1,305 Jews from Nazi Germany to safety in the Philippines. Personal testimonials of four Jewish survivors, original footage, photos and article clippings brought to life some of the untold stories of the Philippines’ heroic act and of the subplots during the Holocaust and World War II.

Filipino-American professor, author and historian Sharon Delmendo, whose research work on this piece of history inspired the film, gave a talk on her findings and her ongoing study. She shared her strong belief that this story must be shared and brought to the attention of the international community so that the world may know about the role of the Philippines during the Jewish rescue.

She entertained questions from the audience – such as how the escape was carried out, other characters that could have conspired with President Quezon and High Commissioner McNutt, and profiles of the survivors. Professor Delmendo told the audience that more information will be discovered and will be revealed once her research is completed and the full-length film is finished.

Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon expressed his gratitude for the work of Professor Delmendo and acknowledged the support of the Jewish community in cultivating the people-to-people relations between Filipinos and Jews that are firmly founded on their shared history and values.

The evening ended with representatives from the AJC, FANHS NY and NJ giving their insights on Filipino-Jewish history.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph

Image Credit: www.filipinostarnews.net