November 29, 2001
Tickets still remain for this Sunday afternoon's showing of the remastered version of the 1961 Academy Award-winning dramatic film "Exodus," which concerns the foundation of Israel. The showing is a cooperative venture between the local Jewish Federation and the Jewish Agency for Israel. JAFI, the world's oldest and largest Zionist organization, is the quasi-governmental agency responsible for rescue and resettlement of Jews in Eretz Yisrael. JAFI participated in the 1947 effort to bring World War II refugees from Europe to Palestine aboard the Exodus 1947 and other ships, and it continues to carry out its mission today.
But another part of JAFI's portfolio is Zionist education, and the "Exodus" showings here and around the country justifiably fall under that heading. As founding co-sponsors of the Kansas City Jewish Film Festival, The Jewish Chronicle believes in the power of film to affect emotions and to stimulate action. We especially urge those of you who have never seen "Exodus" on the big screen to take advantage of the opportunity to do so. That JAFI has chosen Kansas City as one of a handful of metropolitan areas in which to show the film and undertake other educational endeavors speaks well for our collective commitment to Zionism.
Another way you can show your support for Israel and pick up some beautiful artwork in the bargain is to shop for Chanukah gifts at the "Expressions" art exhibit and sale going on Dec. 1-16 in the foyer of the Jewish Community Campus. Israeli artist and entrepreneur Itzhak Assour has brought the traveling exhibition to the Campus for the fifth time, and never has it been more crucial for Israeli artists to feel the support of their fellow Jews in America. With Palestinian violence all but killing tourism to the Jewish state this year, Israeli artists are struggling even harder than usual.
And speaking of tourism, Sunday is supposed to the deadline for signing up for the local solidarity mission to Israel Jan. 6-13. But we'll bet that anybody who calls up the Federation (913-327-8100) on Monday morning and says he/she wants to join the group of 100-plus can be accommodated.
Think about it this weekend.
©Kansas City Jewish Chronicle 2001