To Be or Not to Be / The Tribe That Built Tinseltown

A Jewish American Heritage Month presentation, brought to you by End the Silence Project. 

Embark on a captivating exploration of the Jewish community’s profound impact on Hollywood while confronting the shadow of antisemitism in this dynamic session. From visionary filmmakers to iconic actors, we’ll delve into the vibrant tapestry of Jewish creativity and resilience that has shaped the entertainment industry.

The presentation will be followed by a special screening of TO BE OR NOT TO BE (1942), a satirical film that follows a group of actors in Nazi-occupied Warsaw who use their theatrical talents to outwit the Nazis and resist their oppression. The film is unique and timeless due to its satirical approach, meta-commentary, character complexity, and enduring relevance to contemporary issues. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting bigotry and oppression with courage and resilience.

Speaker: Josh Blank, Stand with Us

Josh Blank was born and raised in Los Angeles. As the grandson of four Holocaust survivors, he always had an immense connection to his lineage and an enormity of pride in being Jewish. As a teen, Josh was chosen to participate in the March of the Living program in Poland to commemorate those who perished in the Holocaust. It was on this trip he cemented his life’s mission to fight for the Jewish state. Following college graduation, he worked in the entertainment industry. Recently, Josh joined the StandWithUs team because he yearned to focus on Israel advocacy and combat the rise of antisemitism. He currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with his wife, baby boy, and two dogs.