Let My People Go: The Story of Israel facts for kids

Let My People Go: The Story of Israel is a 1965 American documentary film directed by Marshall Flaum. This film tells the important story of the Jewish people's journey to create a homeland. It was nominated for an Academy Award (a very famous film award) for Best Documentary Feature in 1965. It also won the United Nations Award in 1961 from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Marshall Flaum not only directed the film but also produced and wrote it.

What is "Let My People Go"?

This film uses old video clips and photos to show the history of the Jewish people. It focuses on their efforts to build a special homeland for themselves. The story is told by Richard Basehart, and it has original music by Israeli composer Marc Lavry.

The Story Behind the Film

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through time. It starts by showing events from as far back as 1897. This is when Theodor Herzl attended the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. Herzl was a key figure who believed in creating a Jewish homeland.

A Look at History

The film shows important meetings, like when World Zionist Organization president Chaim Weizmann met with Arthur Balfour. Balfour wrote the Balfour Declaration. This declaration said that the British government supported the idea of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Mandate Palestine.

Challenges and Hope

Let My People Go also shows the difficult times. It includes scenes of Jewish refugees on ships. These ships were not allowed to enter Mandate Palestine. This happened after the White Paper of 1939. This paper limited how many Jewish people could move there.

The film also shows powerful footage from the Holocaust. This was a terrible time when millions of Jewish people were persecuted. The documentary includes scenes from the Warsaw Ghetto. It shows the struggles of people living there. It also shows "illegals," who were displaced persons. These people tried to get into Palestine after World War II. They were often held in British camps in Cyprus.

The film ends on a hopeful note. It shows people listening to a radio broadcast in 1947. This broadcast announced that the United Nations had approved a plan. This plan led to the creation of the State of Israel. Israel was officially created on May 15, 1948. The film finishes with people planting trees. They plant them to remember the six million victims of the Holocaust.

How the Film Was Shared

The film was shown across the United States in April 1965. It was broadcast on many independent TV stations. The Xerox Corporation helped to pay for the broadcast.

See Also

• List of American films of 1965