Magen David Sephardic Congregation

with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of Israel

present the screening of the film

ABOVE AND BEYOND

THE STORY OF THE ISRAELI AIRFORCE

Opening Remarks by Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmoníček

and Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission Reuven Azar

In 1948, a group of American World War II pilots volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. As members of “Machal,” volunteers from abroad, this band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, preventing the possible annihilation of Israel at the very moment of its birth, they also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force. The backbone of the IAF consisted of 25 Avia S-199s purchased from Czechoslovakia. These ace pilots were mostly Jewish-Americans. At risk of losing their citizenship and their lives, they smuggled out surplus planes and ammunition from the US and trained in secret in Czechoslovakia as they made preparations to rescue Israel. Relying on a small squadron of rickety aircraft, a handful of young foreign pilots turned the tide of Israel’s War of Independence. These now-aging wingmen colorfully recount their remarkable mission.

Q&A and light reception to follow the screening

This event is supported in part by the Sally & Irving Korobkin Educational Fund

Tickets availble at the door $10