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August 13, 2009 - Update: Let
My People Go!
 “It was really inspiring to me to hear how people fought for the freedom of others elsewhere ,…. it is right to publicize the good deeds of the past, especially when our world seems so cynical and critical. I'm glad to be involved with the project.”
--- Thomas Viola, Temple
University
We are capturing in word and on video the personal stories of Philadelphia’s leaders and activists in the Free Soviet Jewry Movement. 16 student oral historians and videographers from Temple University and University of Pennsylvania are presently conducting interviews and will continue to gather stories throughout the summer. These stories will inform a play which we intend to produce in 2010, shining a light on a moment in American Jewish history that for most Americans is an unknown story.
Over the winter, we recruited a multiracial, multiethnic,
interfaith team of students to serve as our oral history interns
and videographers. The interns were trained in oral history
interviewing techniques, learned about history and background
to the Free Soviet Jewry movement, and pertinent Jewish concepts
and terminology from Dr. Nancy Isserman, Associate Director
of Temple University’s Feinstein Center.
Since March, our interns have completed 23 interviews
with leaders and participants in Philadelphia’s Free Soviet Jewry Movement. Over the summer we hope to complete at least 25 more interviews.
The students are learning a great deal and finding
this process to be invaluable:
“As a non-Jew, I have already benefited substantially
by hearing the stories of those involved in the Movement. Their
stories are profound and powerful, uplifting and inspiring,
to all people. I hope that these stories will be shared with
as many people as possible. It is important not just to remember
and honor the past, but to inspire and teach future generations.
That the Free Soviet Jewry Movement is not common knowledge
makes this project even more important.”
--- Lisa Hann, Temple University
Support LET MY PEOPLE GO!
Underwrite an interview for 40.00
Underwrite transcribing an interview for $100.00
Underwrite the transferring of an interview to DVD - $100.00
Underwrite part of the playwrights’ commission - $1500
Your support big or small makes a difference!
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Jim
Gardner of Channel 6 ABC) (left),
and special musical guest 
Actors in Theatre Ariel's perfromance
of Wordsmiths: 
