Ep 8. Shalom Italia

Shalom Italia is the eighth episode of the 30th season of the documentary series POV. The episode follows three Italian Jewish brothers as they embark on a journey to find the cave where they hid from the Nazis during World War II. The brothers haven't seen each other in decades and this trip is a chance for them to reconnect and explore their past.

The three brothers, Luigi, Luciano, and Italo, were born in Italy in the 1930s. Their family was Jewish, and as the Nazis began to gain power in Europe, their parents made the difficult decision to hide their children to ensure their safety. The brothers were sent to live with different families in different parts of Italy, and they lost touch with each other and their parents.

Now in their 70s and 80s, the brothers decide to reunite and search for the cave where they hid during the war. They travel to Tuscany, where they believe the cave is located, and hire a guide to help them in their search. Along the way, they share stories about their childhood and the experiences that shaped their lives.

The journey is not an easy one, both physically and emotionally. The brothers are forced to confront the painful memories of what they endured during the war. They discuss their feelings of guilt over surviving when so many other Jews did not, and the difficulties they faced in reconnecting with their family after the war ended.

Despite these challenges, the brothers remain determined to find the cave. They encounter obstacles along the way, including difficult terrain and a language barrier, but they persevere. At one point, they even enlist the help of a local farmer who remembers meeting them as children.

As they continue their search, the brothers also reflect on the changes that have taken place in Italy since the war. They visit a synagogue and speak with young Jewish people about their experiences growing up in a country with such a fraught history.

At its core, Shalom Italia is a story of family, perseverance, and the importance of remembering the past. The bond between the three brothers is palpable, even after so many years apart. As they search for the cave that provided them with shelter during the war, they are also searching for a piece of themselves that they lost so long ago.

The episode is beautifully shot, with stunning vistas of the Italian countryside and intimate close-ups of the brothers as they share their stories. The score is haunting and evocative, adding another layer of emotion to an already powerful story.

Overall, Shalom Italia is a touching and poignant episode of POV. It offers a glimpse into the lives of three extraordinary men who survived unimaginable circumstances and emerged with a deep understanding of what it means to be family. It is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and love can endure.