Temple Israel to host annual Israeli Film Festival

A scene from ‘Ha Hov (The Debt),’ an Israeli thriller about three Mossad agents who capture an infamous war criminal.

“The Debt” and “Three Mothers” will headline Congregation Temple Israel’s fifth annual Israeli Film Festival on Sunday, March 11. “The Debt” will open the festival at 3 p.m., followed by a panel discussion of the film. Complimentary Israeli refreshments will be served during an intermission that will precede the 6:30 p.m. screening of “Three Mothers.” Both films will be shown in the Temple’s May Chapel. Temple Israel is located at 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive at the corner of Ladue and Spoede roads.

The 2007 Israeli version of “The Debt” stars Gila Algamor and involves international spies, political intrigue, deadly secrets and harrowing action centered on the capture and subsequent escape of a Nazi doctor and the years-long cover-up that follows.

“Three Mothers” is a family saga involving triplets Flora, Yasmin and Rose Hakim, born in 1942 in Alexandria, Egypt, to privileged Jewish parents who named them after flowers and called upon King Farouk to bless them at their birth. The story follows the family to Israel and over the course of 60 years, and reveals the Hakim sisters coming to terms with long-buried secrets and passions.

Both films are primarily in Hebrew with English subtitles and are suitable for mature teens and adults. Admission is free. Seating is limited, so RSVPs are required by contacting Janet Dillon at [email protected] or 314-432-8050. Festival-goers are welcome to attend one or both films. The event is co-sponsored by the Israel Engagement Committee and the Israeli House at Temple Israel.