SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The documentary, Their Eyes Were Dry will be screened in San Diego County as part of a special May 9th event in 250 theaters around the country. The film details the heart-wrenching story of the 1974 Ma’alot Massacre in Israel when 105 students were held hostage by Palestinian terrorists, and it commemorates the lives and courage of these young people.
Screenings will be held on Monday, May 9 at 7 PM at the La Jolla Village 12 Theatres (8657 Villa La Jolla Drive); San Marcos 18, 1180 W. San Marcos Blvd in San Marcos, and the Mira Mesa 18, 10733 Westview Parkway, San Diego.
An Evening of Reflection and Song featuring “Their Eyes Were Dry” will include a pre-recorded musical performance by The Cantors’ Assembly with acclaimed cantor Alberto Mizrahi, celebrating Israel’s Independence Day and the 37th anniversary remembrance of these brave children. The Cantors will also reveal where they were and how this terrorist attack affected them.
“We are honored to co-sponsor this important film because it commemorates the young Israelis who lost their lives, and it will raise awareness about how Palestinian terrorists have targeted Israeli children and young people throughout Israel’s modern history. Tragically, the massacre of the Fogel family and the April 11th missile attack on an Israeli school bus are just the most recent examples of a long pattern.
“Audience members will receive a booklet that details this history and shows how Palestinian children have also been victims of this violence. The film and booklet give special urgency to our central message that peace must be taught so Palestinian Arab children and Israeli children can look forward to a future of peaceful coexistence,” stated Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs, an Israel advocacy group that is cosponsoring the event.
Tickets for An Evening of Reflection and Song featuring “Their Eyes Were Dry” are available at participating box offices and online at
http://www.fathomevents.com/originals/event/theireyesweredry.aspx which also lists all theater locations and prices.
Presented by NCM Fathom and The Machine Management, in association with the Consulate General of Israel, Jewish Life Television and StandWithUs, the Fathom event will be broadcast to nearly 250 movie theaters nationwide through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
The Cantor’s Assembly includes Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, Hazzan Jacob Mendelson, Hazzan David Propis, Hazzan Nathan Lam, Hazzan Faith Steinsnyder and Hazzan Rebecca Carmi.
Shot on location in Israel, “Their Eyes Were Dry” was directed by Los Angeles filmaker Brandon Assanti. Five years in the making, the documentary is a gripping historical record of three Palestinian terrorists, disguised as Israeli soldiers, who infiltrated Israel from the Lebanese border and broke into an elementary school in Ma’alot in the Galilee on May 15, 1974. They held 115 people hostage, including 105 children, and threatened to murder the hostages unless Israel released 23 Palestinian terrorists from prison. The IDF attempted a rescue operation on the second day, but the terrorists opened fire and threw hand grenades killing 25 hostages, including 22 students and wounding 68.
“Children are born innocent. No matter the religion, culture, or background, children should never be the target. Despite the fact that this story takes place several decades ago, we are living in a time that reflects the past in a modern day setting, reflects Brandon Assanti.
“I felt the responsibility to become the voice that these children were never given and share their stories of courage and survival with the world. The driving force for this project has been the constant awareness that even today, children globally are being caught in a crossfire.”
“’An Evening of Reflection and Song featuring ‘Their Eyes Were Dry’ will touch viewers of all cultures and generations as they experience the realities of terrorism in this moving documentary and celebrate these brave children during the special in-theater Fathom event,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom.
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Preceding provided by StandWithUs