A Way forward with BMFI (Bryn Mawr Film Institute)

 

Dear Mr. Scott

As we all agree, pulling the movie The Child Within Me was wrong. A weak apology followed. Indeed, that apology did not bring me back into the fold. I am not alone in feeling like BMFI continues to let me down. So, how do we move forward?

This is a pivotal moment for your board and the community you serve. It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and repair, where you can repair by transforming into a place for understanding, decision-making dynamics, and guided exploration of the mission and the complex issues it may raise.

Who are the BFMI stakeholders?

What is BMFI’s mission, and how does that mission intersect with the stakeholders’ and the community’s needs?

By convening a gathering to discuss the current situation openly, we can collectively work towards meaningful repair for the community. Your active participation and engagement are crucial in the healing process.

Let’s restore BMFI’s reputation and dedication to bringing culture into our community.

Uncanceled, but Still Canceled

The news from Bryn Mawr is ambivalent.

There is good news and bad news.

First, the good news:

The courts intervened, and the BMFI must now show the film.

Now, the bad news:

Bryn Mawr Film Institute has not retracted its statement nor amended its thinking.

So, we get to see a movie in a place that is hostile to showing it.

The stakes have been raised on both sides as the film is now set to be shown.  Those supporting the right to see the movie and those protesting Israel will be out in full force.  I hope that each side can express their views without hindrance from the other.  Whichever side you are on, strive for peace.

You guys at BMFI need to rethink your leadership.  Whoever is in charge should be thanked for their past service and shown the door.  Until at least a meaningful apology is offered, consider me a former member.

 

Being Canceled

In response to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s decision to cancel the showing of the film The Child Within Me, I make the following statement:

To the Board of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute

You squandered an essential moment of leadership.

Until this decision, you were a cultural icon and an important voice in our community. But instead of devotion to keeping culture accessible through film, its thoughtful curation, and presentation, you cowed in the face of political pressure. You canceled a film thoroughly unrelated to the war.  The only controversy about this film is your decision to condemn it because the Israeli Film Festival sponsors it.  Shame on you.

People protesting against the showing of a film is an act of free speech.  It does not automatically devolve into violence, and using that as a pretense for canceling is a sign of it is either fecklessness or outright bias against Jews (also known as Antisemitism) and Israel.

Protesters are loud and obnoxious, but they are not violent. Those who attend the festival would find them uncomfortable, but they are not a physical threat. Further, the police of Lower Merion would have done an excellent job of keeping the peace even in this potentially testy situation.

BMFI was an important institution, one I enjoyed participating in and supporting. However, I am deeply disappointed that you have focused on other aspects, neglecting the crucial role of bringing influential films into our community. This decision has undermined the basis for our relationship.  I resign from my membership and call on everyone in our community to do the same.

Sincerely

Rabbi David Levin

Let People Eat

I am heartsick that the WCK team was murdered while on their mission to feed the hungry.

I have long supported Chef Andres’s sacred mission at World Central Kitchen. In fact, in our fundraising efforts, WCK was the beneficiary of the proceeds along with Magen David Adom.

As Chef Andres states in his OpEd, Israel is better than this. And regardless of whatever the investigation of this tragedy will find, Israel must ensure that food aid gets to the hungry and those providing it are protected.

I am praying for the innocents who have been lost and those suffering.

Response to the vandalism at Temple Beth Hillel Beth EL

The synagogue offered the following public statement in response to the swastika graffitied on the property:

We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid. A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division. We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to either fear or division. We are blessed to live in a society in which hate speech is not tolerated by the police, who are working with us to keep us safe. We are blessed to live in a society where our neighbors of other faiths have already reached out to offer support.

Philadelphias lead role in helping people in the Death Space

Philly Magazine has an interesting article sharing how we are doing a better job discussing death.

I am honored to be included in the conversation through my work at the Death Cafe of Greater Philadelphia.

Thanks to Ben Seal for this important piece.

Check out the link below.

https://www.phillymag.com/news/2024/02/17/death-care-workers/?fbclid=IwAR3N4PLlrRNMYaEsut-71eTqtqTwQ72BlSA9cyaAoVmuhJWPtL7z2fl-HKk