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New movie tells story of Joseph Bau, whose dramatization of his marriage in Plazow concentration camp to his wife Rebecca was an unforgettable scene in the movie “Schindler’s List”
By MARTIN ZEILIG A new movie, to be released this coming September, tells the incredible story of Joseph Bau, a Holocaust survivor, master forger, animator, and artist whose own illustrated memoir, Dear God, Have You Ever Gone Hungry? was published in 1998 (Arcade Publishing 1998; Shlomo Yurman, translator).
In that book, Joseph Bau (who lived from 1920-2002) shares his experiences during World War II, including his time spent in various concentration camps. The book also tells of his marriage to his fellow inmate, Rebecca Tennenbaum , within the infamous Plaszow concentration camp.
The scene of the secret marriage ceremony between Joseph and Rebecca (who lived from 1919-1987) on February 14, 1943 was famously dramatized in a short, but poignant scene, in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning movie, “Schindler’s List.”
A gripping new movie, “Bau, Artist at War” (produced by Deborah Smerecnik, Sean McNamara, David Brookwell, Marc and Michelle Griffith; and distributed by Paramount), is based in large part on Joseph Bau’s memoir. The film was written by Deborah Smerecnik, Ron Bass, and Sonia Kifferstein.
Directed with great skill by award-winning director Sean McNamara and featuring stellar performances by Emile Hirsch (who appeared in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) as the protagonist, and Inbar Lavi (who appeared in the Israeli television series “Fauda” and the U.S. television series “Imposters”) as Rebecca, the movie is a combination love story and espionage tale that deserves attention in an era, as one commentator has said, “where survivors are fading away, and the Holocaust is slipping from memory.”
It’s also a story about resistance during the Holocaust.
“Because of the understandable need to see light in this dark period, the word ‘resistance’ has been stretched to cover all manner of cultural expression: lectures, reading and discussion circles, theatrical presentations, musical concerts, and even the struggle to maintain one’s moral and spiritual integrity, one’s very humanity, have all been held up as acts of resistance,” Dr. Lionel Steiman, a retired professor of history at the University of Manitoba, has written.
The film depicts how years after the war and, despite his reluctance at first, Jospeh was called upon to be a key witness in the trial of the brutal Nazi officer Franz Gruen, portrayed with frightening intensity by Yan Tual. Gruen had tortured Bau in Plaszow and had killed his father before Joseph’s eyes. Joseph Bau is thrust back into vivid memories of suffering and loss.
But, Bau is no longer the victim. The climactic court scene is a testament to the seamless combination of intelligent scripting, skillful direction and brilliant acting.
“Franz Gruen was finally convicted for his crimes against humanity and lived out the rest of his days in prison,” says information that appears on screen at the film’s conclusion.
“In Joseph’s work for the resistance, in both the ghetto and in Plaszow, Joseph saved close to one thousand prisoners. Rebecca also helped to save numerous members of the Resistance in Plaszow by risking her life as a spy in Goethe’s office. After the war, she testified at six Nazi court hearings, where she was essential in garnering justice for the Holocaust victims.
“Rebecca continued her work as an aesthetician, through which she helped survivors heal emotionally. She encouraged her clients to share their pain with her in the safety and privacy of her home.
“When Israel became a nation, Joseph left a lucrative graphic design career in Poland, and he and Rebecca ‘went home’ to Israel in 1950. Joseph continued his artistic pursuits, opening the first animation studio in Israel. He is often referred to as the Walt Disney of Israel.
“After the Holocaust, he continued his efforts on behalf of the Jewish people by becoming the lead forger for the Mossad, the Israel intelligence agency. Joseph forged I.D. documents for many of Israel’s heroes, such as Six Day War spy Eli Cohen, and the men who captured the Nazi Colonel Adolf Eichmann in Argentina. Both Joseph and Rebecca left behind an international legacy of selflessness, happiness, laughter and love.”
Josef and Rebecca Bau were also among those honoured by the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem and the Committee to Recognize the Heroism of Jewish Rescuers during the Holocaust during a Zoom meeting on Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah, Tuesday, April 21, 2020) “to extol the heroism of some 20 Jews who endangered themselves during the Holocaust to rescue fellow Jews,” noted an article in The Jewish Post & News that was published a few days after the ceremony.
“Bau, Artist at War” is a testament to the supremacy of love, perseverance, defiance and even humor during the worst of times. It’s a life affirming message.
Five stars.
The official theatrical release date will be in September 2024. A trailer of “Bau, Artist at War” is available on the IMDB website.
Co-producer and writer Ms. Smerecnik was the primary investor in the film.
“I’ve been working on it for almost fifteen years,” she said during an interview on May 12.
She also mentioned that she first met Joseph and Rebecca Bau’s daughters, Hadasa and Clilia Bau, who operate the Bau Museum in Israel, in 2009.
“We appreciate the limited release (into 50 theatres in the U.S. and possibly internationally) Paramount will be undertaking. But, we’re looking for a wider release of the movie,” she said.
She added that investors are required to help support that hoped-for wider release. Any investors will get 120 percent of their investment returned, Ms. Smerecnik said.
“They are the first to be paid back from the investor pool,” she said.
“As well, they will be listed as executive producer.”
Ms. Smerecnik can be contacted at the email address: dbsmer@gmail.com
Features
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
Features
ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
Features
Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.