Film Tells The Story

Of The Jewish Brigade

DANBURY — The Jewish Federation will present In Our Own Hands, a 90-minute documentary which reveals the secret history of the Jewish Brigade – the only all-Jewish fighting unit during World War II. The film will be shown free to the public on Sunday, February 27, at the United Jewish Center, 141 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, at 4 pm.

Light refreshments will be served, and following the screening there will be a short discussion for those who want to stay.

In 1941, as the War waged across Europe and North Africa, Jews in Palestine sought permission to form an all-Jewish fighting force, but were turned down by the British War Office as the country was then under British rule. For three years they continued to petition the powers that be to no avail. Finally in September, 1944, Winston Churchill overrode the objections of the war office and the brigade was formed.

During the winter of 1945 the brigade went into action against the Nazis near Bologna, Italy. After two months of heavy fighting and taking heavy casualties, the brigade emerged victorious. Although the War ended in Europe a few weeks later, the brigade sought out and found scores of Nazi officers and collaborators. They also smuggled arms and ammunition for the Haganah, the underground self-defense arm of the Jewish Agency which fought for the freedom of Palestine. In addition, the brigade helped thousands of refugees escape to Palestine. Many Jewish Brigade veterans – including 35 who became generals – served with distinction in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948.

“It is a remarkable, yet little known part of our history,” explained Judy Prager, administrator of the federation. “This film truly brings this story to life.”

For information, contact the Jewish Federation offices at 792-6353.

This film is part of an on-going initiative by the Jewish Federation to bring cultural programming at no cost to the community. The Federation coordinates and operates a variety of social welfare, cultural and educational programs in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties in Connecticut, and Putnam and Northern Westchester Counties in New York. Funds are also allocated to worldwide organizations such as the UJA and to a number of local institutions including Maimonides Academy of Western Connecticut, the UCONN Hillel and the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield.