Film Screening: Jewish Soldiers in Blue & Gray

Thu 12 May, 7-10 pm. 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, 19106. 215 923-3811. 15. National Museum of American Jewish History - [email][events]

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, join the museum for a screening of Jewish Soldiers in Blue & Gray (Indigo Films, 2011), a first-of-its-kind documentary that reveals the little-known struggles that faced Jewish-Americans both in battle and on the home front during the Civil War. This film reveals an unknown chapter in American history when allegiances during the War Between the States deeply split the Jewish community.

It examines a time when approximately 10,000 Jewish soldiers fought on both sides; 7,000 Union and 3,000 Confederate. It exposes General Ulysses Grant’s controversial decision to expel all Jews from his territory, and tells the stories of President Lincoln’s Jewish doctor who serve as a spy in the South and how five Union Jewish soldiers received the Congressional Medal of Honor. It features commentary by noted historians, with Sam Waterston as the voice of Abraham Lincoln and narration by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Milius (Apocalypse Now).

Jonathan Gruber, the film’s director, producer and writer will participate in a post-film discussion immediately following the screening. Joining him on a panel will be noted Jewish history expert, author and lecturer, Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, PhD.

Presented in partnership with the National Constitution Center with generous support by Charles & Esther Lee Kimerling Charitable Foundation.

The film is produced by Indigo Films with funding provided by the Shapell Manuscript Foundation.