Watch Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands

Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands is a documentary film that explores the untold stories of Arab citizens who risked their own lives to save Jewish people during the Holocaust. The movie is part of an ongoing effort to increase awareness of the role that Arab people played in hiding and protecting Jewish refugees during World War II.

The film is directed by Robert M. Gardner and narrated by Olivia Wells. It features interviews with Holocaust survivors, their families, and historians who shed light on a little-known aspect of the Holocaust. The filmmakers traveled to Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to gather firsthand accounts of the events and the people who lived through them.

The documentary begins by providing some background on the Holocaust and the historical context in which it occurred. It explains how Nazi Germany targeted Jewish people throughout Europe, systematically killing millions of them in concentration camps and in mass shootings. As the war progressed, many Jewish people sought refuge in other countries, including Arab lands, where they faced significant challenges.

The film then introduces viewers to the heroes of the story: the Arab people who risked their own safety to help Jewish people survive. Some of these individuals were diplomats who issued visas to allow refugees to escape. Others were ordinary citizens who sheltered Jewish families in their homes or helped them get fake identity papers. Many of these people did not speak about their actions for decades, fearing retribution from both the Nazis and their own communities.

As the film progresses, it focuses on several specific stories of Arab rescuers and their Jewish beneficiaries. Viewers hear from survivors who were hidden as children, as well as from the children of rescuers who never knew the full extent of their parents' heroism. These personal accounts provide a powerful and emotional connection to the events of the past.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers explore the complex relationships between Arab and Jewish communities, both during and after the war. They highlight the tension that existed between these groups, as well as the moments of grace and humanity that helped to bridge the gap. In doing so, they challenge common stereotypes and misconceptions about the Middle East and its people.

Overall, Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands is a moving and illuminating look at an often-overlooked aspect of the Holocaust. It sheds light on a chapter in history that is too rarely acknowledged and reminds us of the power of human kindness and compassion, even in the darkest of times.