The Historic Documentary Film Society recently screened the film, Across the Waters, which was in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Danish Heroism in 1943. It was held at Ditsong National Museum of Military History.
The film followed the evacuation of the Danish-Jewish community to Sweden which took place 80 years ago. For Tina Lodahl, consular officer at the Embassy of Denmark, it was important to have the community get an understanding of this historic event as this evacuation was an act of humanity. “Also to show that the Jewish community was an integral part of the Danish community as they were Danes as well as Jews and it is always great to help your fellow countrymen no matter your religion.”
Tali Nates, founder and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre described that as a centre of education, of memory and lessons, this commemoration was extremely meaningful as it shows people can be there for each other in times of need. “In our country this is a lesson we need to reflect on as we should and could be there for each other across religion, gender and backgrounds.”
Nates added that the film is an inspiring story that shows how the Danish community managed to save 7 000 Jews which is also so unprecedented in the case of World War II and the Holocaust.
They had each initially watched the film when they were much younger. Nates recognised how aspects such as film, exhibitions and theatre are so important as they help to tell stories in a short period of time – stories that otherwise need one to sit in long lectures and read various books that talk on a subject. She looked forward to the audience’s reactions.
In the audience on the day was Karen Jacobsen, who thanked all involved in making this screening possible as it was quite an informative morning that had her learn about a part of history she was not aware of before. Her father, Mogens Jacobsen, had to spend the last two years of the war in Sweden. Her grandfather, Bertil Jabobsen, was given a menorah for his services to the Jewish community during World War II. Bertil was an engineer at a shipyard on Fyn, Denmark. “I don’t know what he did but it must have been quite significant, hence the menorah was presented to him on March 30, 1946,” said Karen.
This menorah is still with the family.
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