28 May 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with StandWithUs and Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, held the screening of “An Open Door: Holocaust Haven in the Philippines,” a documentary on the rescue of more than 1,300 European Jews by President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippines before World War II, during the 8th Pagkikita sa Konsulado this May at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, IL.
Directed and produced by award-winning independent filmmaker Mr. Noel “Sonny” Izon, the film retells the stories of the Jews who were escaping persecution from Nazi Germany and found a haven in the Philippines when then President Quezon welcomed them at a time when they were being denied entry by the rest of the world.
Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge, who served as Philippine Ambassador to Israel prior to his assignment in Chicago and was interviewed for the film, hailed the decision of President Quezon who risked his political life by doing the right thing, and expressed hopes that then President Quezon and the Philippines will be recognized by the world Jewry for this act.
He thanked Ms. Peggy Shapiro, Midwest Coordinator of StandWithUs, an international non-profit organization which aims to combat extremism and anti-Semitism by promoting policies and discussions that advance peace in the Middle East region, and Ms. Kate Kelly of the Illinois Holocaust Museum for co-organizing the event. Ms. Shapiro herself is a daughter of a Holocaust survivor from Europe.
He also acknowledged Mr. Peter Gilbert of the American Jewish community in Milwaukee, WI, who introduced him to Ms. Shapiro; Mr. Jack Simke, son of one of the European Jews rescued through President Quezon’s policies; Mr. Izon; Ms. Angeles Carandang, President of NaFFAA Midwest Region; other community leaders and heads of media organizations. Messrs. Simke and Izon flew in from California and Maryland, respectively, just for the event.
The 200-person capacity auditorium was packed and emotion-filled as Ms. Shapiro, Mr. Simke and Mr. Izon each spoke before the screening of the special bond that exists between the Jewish and Filipino peoples from the time of the Holocaust to the voting for the establishment of the State of Israel in the United Nations and to the humanitarian response by Israel to aid the victims of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in 2013.
Consul General Calonge said that the Consulate General would like to continue its partnership with StandWithUs and other like-minded organizations to support the film project of Mr. Izon that raises awareness and highlights the character and culture of the Filipino people among Jewish Americans, and the realization of the Philippines’ rightful recognition as a haven for Jews during World War II beginning with the Illinois Holocaust Museum. END