In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Oshman Family JCC, AJC San Francisco, Greek Metropolis of San Francisco, Consulate General of Israel and Consulate General of Greece welcome all to Life Will Smile, a compelling 40-minute documentary that tells the story of the complete survival of Europe's only Jewish community during the Holocaust on the Greek island of Zakynthos.
We are honored to have opening remarks by the following dignitaries: The Honorable Eleni Kounalakis, Lt. Governor of California; Consul General of Greece, Antonios Sgouropoulos; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, metropolitan bishop of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco; and Deputy Consul General of Israel, Matan Zamir.
Program Schedule:
6:30 PM Reception with refreshments provided by Evvia Estiatorio and Georgos Greek Wine
7:30 PM Welcome and Screening
8:40 PM Panel and Q&A
During World War II, over six million of our fellow human beings perished. The Nazi's "Final Solution to the Jewish Question" was also carried out throughout German-occupied Greece. But there was one exception: The small Greek island of Zakynthos.
Life Will Smile recounts this unique story where all 275 members of the Jewish community were protected and saved by their fellow Zakynthians. This is an unmatched historical event not widely known.
Life Will Smile narrates the untold story of the humanism and bravery of the Greek civil society in the small, southernmost Ionian island, where—with courage and commitment—the 35,000 inhabitants saved every single one of their Jewish brothers and sisters. In doing this, they were led by two brave men: Bishop Chrysostomos and the Mayor of Zakynthos. For their fearless action, the two men were honored by Yad Vashem in 1978 as "Righteous Among the Nations".
The documentary is exclusively narrated by one of the Jewish survivors of Zakynthos, 84-year old Haim Konstantini.
At a time when antisemitism and fascism are once more on the rise, this story acts as a reminder of how, when united, humanity can overcome even the darkest of times.
Watch a personal invite from the producer of the film:
Monday, January 27
6:30–9:30 PM
Schultz Cultural Arts Hall (Bldg. F)
$10 per person
Contacts: Esther Young | (650) 223-8678 | [email protected]
Or Michelle Shabtai | (650) 223-8718 | [email protected]
