Detroit Public Television (DPTV) believes in telling the stories of the past to impact the present and help build for the future. Nowhere is that more evident than in the hundreds of hours of historical and documentary programming DPTV broadcasts each year. On Sunday, March 15, 2020, that programming will focus on our history during the station’s Jewish Heritage Night. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your house to catch it all.
From 7:00 to 10:00 pm this live, prime-time event will feature in-studio guests, fascinating looks at Jewish history and culture, and reflections on Jewish Detroit’s past. Plus, these two amazing documentaries:
Detroit Remember When: The Jewish Community
From Detroit Public Television and award-winning producers Sue Marx and Allyson Rockwell comes this retrospective documentary about Jewish life in Detroit. The film traces the roots of Jews in Detroit from the 1700’s with the arrival of the first Jewish fur trader in Detroit and culminates in the importance of Jewish leadership in the political, civil rights, arts, cultural and educational life of the region today. Told through interviews, archival footage, home movies and historic photographs, the film will bring back warm memories of cherished traditions for those who grew up in Detroit’s large, close-knit community. Take a trip down memory lane of Jewish life including the early days, discrimination, religious and cultural traditions, politics and civil rights, education, philanthropy, and future leaders.
GI JEWS: Jewish Americans in World War II
This feature-length documentary spotlights the little-known story of the more than 550,000 Jewish Americans who served their country in all branches of the military during World War II. Filmmaker Lisa Ades brings the struggles of these brave men and women to life through first-hand experiences that reveal their fight against fascism, as well as their more personal war to liberate loved ones in Europe. After years of battle, these pioneering service men and women emerged transformed: more profoundly American, more deeply Jewish, and determined to continue the fight for equality and tolerance at home.
GI Jews features more than 25 original interviews with veterans who speak candidly about the impact of their war time experiences: Mel Brooks, who served in the Army; Henry Kissinger, a refugee from Nazi Germany who was drafted into the Army; and the late Bea Cohen, who was a member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in England.
Tune in to history. Our history. Don’t miss Jewish Heritage Night on Detroit Public Television, WTVS, March 15th at 7:00 pm.
