Unlikely Friendships

This week, a group of students from 9th grade World History and Hebrew classes viewed a screening of the award-winning documentary "Refuge" with its director, Jewish Atlanta native Erin Bernhardt. Set in Clarkston and Lafayette, Georgia, “Refuge” tells a story of an unlikely friendship that develops between a Kurdish refugee who becomes an Atlanta cardiologist and a former Klansman as they attempt to understand each other’s past and present and bridge their differences.
 
When asked about the value of the screening for students, Social Studies teacher Melinda Goodwin said, “One of the recurring themes in our studies of the ancient world is the examination of human migration and diaspora through the ages and the tragic difficulties faced by different groups of people, including the Jewish community. By looking at a contemporary and local example of refugees within Atlanta, we can explore further the challenges of minority groups maintaining cultural and religious identity, prejudice and persecution, and what it means to be a citizen.”
 
After the screening, Director Bernhardt was available to answer the students' questions, giving them a valuable opportunity to hear about the director’s personal connection to this story and its southern roots.
 
The screening was made possible through The Weber Parents Group's new Microgrants program for Weber teachers, students, and clubs to fund innovative educational efforts outside the department’s budget.
 
For more information on the film and Erin Bernhardt, please visit www.refugemovie.com.
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The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.

The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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