Post Film Discussion “Telling Nonie” – A Yom Kippur Reflection on Redemption and Forgiveness with Avi Ben-Hur
Tuesday, October 15 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT
“Telling Nonie” is a poignant documentary that delves deep into themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation—core elements of Yom Kippur.
Tormented by his role in a 1950s Gaza assassination, Geizi Tsafrir, an elderly Israeli agent, seeks redemption. Reflecting on his time with Shin Bet (The Israeli Security Services) and the killing of an Egyptian lieutenant colonel, he decides to confront his past. He contacts the colonel’s daughter, Nonie Darwish, once intent on avenging her father’s death but now a prominent voice against radical Islam and a supporter of Israel. The mysterious email from Tsafrir sets Darwish on an emotional journey into her past, culminating in a meeting with him in Los Angeles.
Why It Resonates: “Telling Nonie” is not just a film but an experience that mirrors the essence of Yom Kippur. It explores intricate emotions, historical complexities, and the bumpy path toward mutual understanding and forgiveness. The film’s exploration of guilt, atonement, and the courage to seek and offer forgiveness makes it an ideal reflection piece for the Day of Atonement.
Critical Acclaim: Winner of the Haifa International Film Festival’s Best Israeli Documentary, this film is celebrated for its deep emotional impact and its honest, unflinching look at the power of forgiveness.
Join Us: This Yom Kippur, join us for a screening of “Telling Nonie.” Let this powerful documentary inspire you to reflect on your own journey of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Avi Ben-Hur CWB Scholar in Residence
A Brooklyn native, Avi Ben-Hur moved to Israel in 1983. From 2003-2008 Avi was Director of the Archaeological Seminars School for Israeli Tour Guides. In 2008 Avi participated in re-writing the curriculum of the National Guiding courses for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As a “Scholar in Residence, Avi has lectured, taught and facilitated workshops in the US, Warsaw, Prague, Berlin and Greece. From 1996-2000, Avi taught in Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies. As a guide, Avi has specialized working with organizations focusing on political issues (such as AIPAC & CIJA), inter-faith programs and Holocaust studies. At Present, Avi is an examiner for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism Licensing Boards and is the ongoing scholar in residence of Classrooms Without Borders