My ears tend to perk up when I see or hear the word…Israel. And over the last several years, Israel has continued to be at the forefront of news and information – whether it is from the innovation that continues to pour out of the country or events that occur within it. For a country roughly the same size as the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys (according to the past Consul General of Israel), it gets more press and attention than any other country.

 

The past several weeks have been no exception. From the weekly massive gatherings of Israelis protesting the proposed judicial reforms to the IDF's attempt to thwart the plans of over 50 attacks and the incursion into Jenin to arrest terrorists, there always seems to be something for the world to see in Israel.

 

The latest is the tension between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. If you are not aware, Israel's President Isaac Herzog was invited to address Congress tomorrow, and several legislatures are planning not to attend because they disapprove of Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition government's recent decisions and the direction they are taking the country. However you feel about the Israeli government, I am always concerned about how their choices impact world Jewry because of the perception that Jews have loyalty to Israel. I am anxious to see and read about the response President Herzog receives – both before and after his remarks. I encourage you to tune in tomorrow at 8 a.m. to watch his address and hear the message he will share.

 

Now onto a similar yet slightly different topic. I am unsure if you are aware, but a new movie called GOLDA is coming to local theaters on August 25. Starring Helen Mirren as Golda Meir and Live Schreiber as Henry Kissinger, the film will focus on the Yom Kippur War and the fallout that ensued. If you want more information about the film, check out the Jewish Telegraphic Agency's recent article. 

 

With Israel in the midst of celebrating its 75th anniversary, I am hopeful a film like this that looks at a pivotal moment in Israel's history will both educate and show insight and perspective into the challenges Israel has faced in its history and how it has impacted the trajectory of the country's evolution.  

 

There will be two special sneak previews on Wednesday, August 23, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the following local theaters:

 

· AMC Santa Anita 16 (400 South Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia)

· AMC Covina 17 (1414 North Azusa Ave., Covina)

· AMC Glendora 12 (1337 E. Gladstone St., Glendora)

· AMC Atlantic Times Square 14 (450 N. Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park)

· AMC Puente Hills 20 (1560 South Azusa Avenue, City of Industry)

 

Each of these special screenings will include a pre-recorded conversation about the film between Helen Mirren and the film's director Guy Nattiv. If you are interested, tickets are already on sale.

 

If you watch President Herzog's address tomorrow or see Golda next month, share your thoughts with me by emailing federation@jewishsgpv.org, as I would love to hear what you think.