Besa: The Promise (2012)

This film follows the important stories and moving photographs contained in Neil H. Gershman’s critically acclaimed book, Besa: Muslims who Saved Jews During World War II. A selection of original Gershman photographs is on display at the Main Library Gallery and this documentary provides context to the exhibition.

Join Dr. Afridi for an introduction of this documentary, and a discussion of her work to combat prejudice, genocidal ideologies, apathy and Holocaust denial.

She will also discuss her book, Shoah Through Muslim Eyes (Academic Studies Press, 2017); the stories of heroic Muslims and righteous Albanians who risked their lives to protect and shelter Jews during the Holocaust; and the relevance these important stories of heroism and humanity have today.

Dr. Mehnaz M. Afridi is a Holocaust scholar and the Director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College. As a Muslim, Dr. Afridi brings an important perspective to remembering the Holocaust.