GI JEWS: Jewish Americans in World War II will be broadcast nationally on PBS on April 11, 2018 at 10pm (check local listings). The film is also available for purchase on DVD from Shop PBS
GI JEWS: Jewish Americans in World War II tells the profound and unique story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II. Through the eyes of the servicemen and women, the film brings to life the little-known story of Jews in World War II – as active participants in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance.
These brave men and women fought for their nation and their people, for America and for Jews worldwide. Like all Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also waged a more personal fight—to save their brethren in Europe. After years of struggle, they emerged transformed, more powerfully American and more deeply Jewish, determined to continue the fight for equality and tolerance at home.
A Jewish Story: Jewish men fought in every branch of service and in every theater of war. They were held as POWs and awarded honors for merit and valor. Thousands were wounded and 11,000 were killed in action. Ten thousand Jewish women joined up as well, disregarding their parents’ warnings that the military “was no life for a nice Jewish girl.” In the midst of it all, they fought a second, more private battle, against anti-Semitism within the ranks. They endured slurs and even violence from their fellow servicemen, and often felt forced to prove their courage and patriotismAll the while, they observed their religion, far from home. Jewish men and women sought solace in their faith and celebrated holidays overseas, even on the frontlines. Some went without rations for days to keep kosher, and many carried a small prayer book with them on every mission.
An American Story: World War II was a watershed in American history—with 16 million Americans fighting for their country, everyone intermingled. Fighting together in the trenches and in the air, men forged deep friendships across religious lines, and learned to set aside their bigotry for the greater good. Jewish Americans earned their citizenship by shedding blood, leaving their outsider status behind. For the first time, their nation embraced them as true Americans.
Liberating the Camps: Jewish servicemen were among the first to reach the concentration camps liberated by American troops. Many spoke Yiddish and so were able to offer the survivors their first words of comfort, and explain to them that after years of suffering, they were finally free. Rabbi chaplains said prayers for the dead, and held services, honoring the survivors as the bravest heroes of the war. Many Jewish servicemen stayed on to help care for the survivors, locating relatives, fighting for their rights and even smuggling thousands of them to Palestine.
Coming Home: In the wake of the Holocaust, America’s Jewish community was now the largest in the world. With their new responsibility as international leaders, many American Jews became full participants in postwar culture and politics, fighting for social change. They would demand equality at home, join the battle for civil rights, and fight for the creation of a Jewish state.
Read more at http://www.gijewsfilm.com/about-the-film