FILM FEST PREVIEW, PAGES 13-36 GIRL POWER COURTED
FAB FIVE
Five festival leaders offer their must-see selections among 75 films. Page 14
“The Women’s Balcony” puts Israeli men in their place on closing night. Page 16
Family ties facilitate the filmmaking match behind “The Freedom to Marry.” Page 18
Atlanta VOL. XCII NO. 2
WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM
Bend the Arc Seeks Jewish Solidarity By Rachel Fayne Gruskin
Jews from across Atlanta met Sunday, Jan. 8, to express distaste for the incoming Trump administration and to develop a plan of action for social justice issues that reflect progressive Jewish values. The gathering was organized by Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish partnership that aims to bring together people from across the country to advocate a more equal and just society. Because Bend the Arc focuses strictly on domestic issues, it avoided questions about Israel that can split the progressive side of the Jewish community. The word “occupation” was never mentioned. Organizers Leah Fuhr and Bonnie Levine split the crowd of 60 into smaller groups for brainstorming on issues such as establishing relationships with other communities, specifically Muslims. Several speakers expressed a fear that President Donald Trump will try to suppress the Muslim community. One speaker ended by saying that as Jews, we are all Muslims, harkening to the rescue of Danish Jews by other Danish citizens during the Nazi occupation. Also discussed was the need to support a progressive candidate in the special election that will be held in the 6th Congressional District if Republican Rep. Tom Price is confirmed as Trump’s health and human services secretary. Former
JANUARY 13, 2017 | 15 TEVET 5777
Music Fest Expands Options By David R. Cohen david@atljewishtimes.com
Photo by Rachel Fayne Gruskin
This famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr. is the inspiration for Bend the Arc’s name. For ways to commemorate King Day in Jewish Atlanta, see Page 37.
state Sen. Ron Slotin has presented himself as the progressive option in the race. The overwhelming sentiment that washed through the room was that Atlanta Jews have not shown up for the causes that matter because of the fractures that appear when a Jewish organization takes a public stance on Israel. Organizer Abbie Fuksman said Bend the Arc’s focus attracted her. “I found myself invested in Bend the Arc due to their progressive ideas regarding domestic issues with Jewish values that weren’t weighted down by international affairs.” Several organizers said Bend the Arc, which aggressively opposed Trump
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during the election, has a unique opportunity to support whatever causes people are drawn to. The organization is not sponsored by major Jewish donors or organizations with an Israel agenda. Bend the Arc (www.Facebook.com/ BendTheArc) is trying to begin an Atlanta chapter and plans to meet again Feb. 8. Levine said the group is for everyone who aligns with progressive Jewish values, regardless of views about issues abroad. “Bend the Arc has a place for everyone,” she said. “That includes people who feel uncomfortable getting involved in many other progressive causes due to those organizations’ stance on Israel.” ■
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The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival returns March 2 to 19 with a lineup built to satisfy the city’s eclectic taste by offering everything from world music and Ladino to jazz and Israeli hip-hop. The eighth spring festival’s two marquee events are a performance by Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Raichel at City Winery Atlanta on March 17 and a re-creation of the Beastie Boys’ album “Licensed to Ill” at the Buckhead Theatre on March 18, including Israeli rap acts Axum and Peled and the “godfather of Israeli hip-hop,” Sagol 59. “I think the lineup is incredible this year,” said Russell Gottschalk, the festival’s founder and executive director. “I think it’s a very diverse lineup this year, and like previous years it’s something for all ages. This year more than ever we’ve done a very good job of presenting the breadth of the Jewish music experience, including a Sephardic and Mizrahi perspective. We can’t wait till March 2.” AJMF8 features 14 events and once again coincides with Purim. (See the full schedule at atlantajewishtimes.com.) Kicking off at City Winery on March 2 with Jewish Cuban klezmer outfit Odessa Havana, AJMF8 is presenting local, national and international artists, including the Yotam Silberstein Quartet, Nick Edelstein, David Marcus, Sammy Rosenbaum, Sarah Aroeste and Noah Aronson. AJMF8 programming is aimed at all ages. The range includes a Purim family concert and teen battle of the bands March 12, a young adult Purim party March 4, and the two main events. ■