Mandell JCC to Screen Family in Captivity Tuesday, June 21, 2011; Documentary Screens on Fifth Anniversary of Gilad Shalit Kidnapping

 As the fifth anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s kidnapping by Hamas approaches in June, the Mandell JCC is raising awareness and funds to help secure his release with the screening of a new documentary Family in Captivity, on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM, announced Ronny Siegel, Hartford Jewish Film Festival Chair.   The Israeli documentary by Tal Goren will make its Hartford premiere in the Herbert Gilman Theater, Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT.

This June 25, 2011 marks Gilad Shilat’s fifth year as a Hamas prisoner in Gaza.

“By joining communities across North American to present Family in Captivity, we are part of a broad humanitarian effort to free Gilad Shalit and show our support for him and his family,” commented Ms. Siegel. The powerful new film features poignant interviews with the Shalit family and gripping news video. The political becomes personal as the family fights for the release of a beloved son, brother, and grandson, and copes with their heart-breaking daily ordeal. Since his capture in June 2006, Israel has been trying to reach an agreement with Hamas for the release of the young Israel Defense Forces soldier, who was seized during a Palestinian raid near the Gaza border.

The one-hour film is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Invited guest speakers include film Director Tal Goren and members of the Shalit family. Proceeds from ticket sales ($10 adults and $5 students) will benefit the Free Gilad Shalit efforts. Tickets can be purchased at the Mandell JCC Box Office, 860-231-6316, tickets@mandelljcc.org, and at the Member Services Center. For more information, call 860-236-4571, or visit www.mandelljcc.org.

The June 21, 2011 film screening is sponsored by the Mandell JCC Hartford Jewish Film Festival in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation Association of CT, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and media sponsor the Connecticut Jewish Ledger with Bender Plumbing (as of 5/16/11).

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, a beneficiary agency of the United Way and a member of the JCC Association of North America.