Out of Europe

Gr 9 Up—The Lerner family lived in Belgium in the early 1900s until political realities forced their relocation to France, then Spain, Portugal, and eventually the United States. As Jewish refugees, they traipsed along with hundreds of thousands of others attempting to escape persistent Nazi expansion, and almost certain death. Amazingly, they survived, while more than six million other Jews died at the hands of the Third Reich. Original family photos create a generous sense of place, commitment, and unity. Through a combination of good luck, intelligent choices, and a substantial cache of diamonds, they managed to avoid separation and to escape the horrors of the Holocaust. Personal interviews illuminate the Lerners' savvy and charm in this fascinating tale of their maneuvers through Nazi-controlled Europe. Produced and directed by their grandson, Richard Lerner, the film artfully combines an historical chronology with spontaneous conversations, maps, and a respectfully spare sound track. Using artful editing, several interviews intertwine to make a seamless retrospective covering the years of this remarkable journey. Unlike most other Holocaust histories, this film focuses on one extended family and the events leading to their escape to America. A few Yiddish and Hebrew references may need translation, and there could have been additional map references in the first part of the film. Overall, this is a profound and unique addition to Holocaust studies.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, Fort Washakie, WY