Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month activities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
This year, we focus on the racial diversity that exists within the Jewish community through a selection of films available for viewing throughout the month of February.
Blewish (Animated Short Film)
The story of a kid struggling to find understanding and acceptance of his Black & Jewish intersectional identity. Being Blewish (Black & Jewish) can be frustrating, especially when people frequently assume that someone can't be Jewish just because they're Black. Blewish is the story of a boy stuck in the middle. Torn between either concealing or embracing his full identity, he learns how he can help create a world where no other child feels the pressure of having to make that choice again.
Created by Ezra Edmond, a Los Angeles-born writer, director and producer with a passion for storytelling and insights into complex identities. The difficulties faced in terms of fitting in and finding his confidence as a bi-racial Black & Jewish child fueled his vision for the animated film.
Sponsored by the Embassy of Israel and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa
Aulcie
AULCIE is the incredible story of Aulcie Perry, an African American basketball player who hailed from the violence-filled streets of the 1960s Newark, NJ, and who found his glory in leading Israel's Maccabi basketball team to the 1977 European championship. He became an overnight sensation in Israel, beloved by the fans and by his adopted country. He converted to Judaism and became an Israeli citizen. His highly publicized relationship with Israeli supermodel Tami Ben Ami became the subject of relentless media attention, making him one of Israel's biggest stars. But his success wasn't enough to save him from the descend into drugs and jail time, before finally finding redemption. Dani Menken's documentary tells the story of this legendary athlete.
Sponsored by the Embassy of Israel and the Vered Cultural and Educational Program of the Soloway JCC
Available February 20 - 26.
REGISTER HERE to receive viewing link.
Yerusalem: The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jewry
This new feature documentary (based on the Israeli documentary series) brings to life the story of a long, dramatic and tumultuous journey as the Jewish Ethiopian community, also known as “Beta-Israel”, finally find their way back to the heart of the Jewish people after centuries – Jerusalem. "Yerusalem" is the story of an isolated Jewish tribe who kept its faith for thousands of years even though they lived in a hostile Christian environment. This is the story of ancient Jewish traditions, of heroic actions and daring covert operations. But mainly, this is the story of a powerful religious yearning that has been passed down from father to son for countless generations.
Sponsored by the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies, The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Embassy of Israel
Organizations, Media, Initiatives
No Silence on Race
Initiative & resources for racial equity and inclusivity in Jewish spaces in Canada: NoSilenceOnRace.ca
Jews of Colour of Canada
Facebook.com/JOC.Canada
Be’Chol Lashon
Raising awareness about the diversity of Jewish identity and experience, and work toward a more racially-just society: GlobalJews.org
18Doors
Unlocking Jewish: 18Doors.org
Jews of Color Initiative
Building and advancing the field for Jews of Color: JewsofColorInitiative.org
Ammud
Jews of Color Torah Academy, Jewish Education for Jews of Color, by Jews of Color:
Ammud.org
REBOOT
An arts and culture non-profit that reimagines, reinvents and reinforces Jewish thought and traditions: Rebooters.net
LABA
A Laboratory for Jewish Culture: LABAJournal.com/
