Park University Year of Engagement Documentary “G.I. Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II"

During the 2018-19 academic year, Park University and the National Archives at Kansas City have partnered to commemorate the University’s Year of Engagement, a year of conversation and action on its Kansas City area campuses and in the community. The Year of Engagement Documentary Series includes films that reflect Park’s core values (accountability, civility and respect, excellence, global citizenship, inclusivity and integrity) and inspire community engagement.

On Monday, May 6, the final film in the University’s Year of Engagement Documentary Series, “G.I. Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II,” will be shown at 6 p.m. in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater within Alumni Hall on the University’s Parkville Campus. Admission is free, but attendees are requested to RSVP at park.edu/gijews or call (816) 584-6214. This documentary screening is being held in conjunction with Jewish American Heritage Month.

The documentary tells the profound and unique story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II. The film brings to life their little-known story as active participants in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance. Like all Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also waged a more personal fight to save their brethren in Europe. Jewish servicemen were also among the first to assist the survivors of the Nazi concentration camps liberated by American troops.

After years of struggle, these soldiers emerged transformed, more powerfully American and more deeply Jewish, determined to continue the fight for equality and tolerance at home. Veterans both famous, including Hollywood stars Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and unknown share their war experiences: how they fought for their nation and people and struggled with anti-Semitism within their ranks.