Photo Coverage: World Premiere of A VOICE AMONG THE SILENT Held in New York City

It was fitting that the World Premiere of "A Voice Among the Silent" was held in the only United States synagogue to be honored with a papal visit in 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI was hosted by the the congregation and Rabbi Arthur Schneier. This eye opening documentary about James McDonald, the son of Catholic immigrants, was almost lost to history until his meticulously kept diaries were discovered in 2003.

The Gold Coast International Film Festival which begins on Long Island starting November 3rd -9th chose the landmarked New York City house of worship to hold the event.

James McDonald who President Truman appointed as the first U.S. Ambassador to Israel was one of the first voices to warn about Hitler and the impending doom for the world and the Jewish people. The world did not listen, but James McDonald's continuous efforts and meetings with world leaders saved some lives and had a profound effect and contribution to the founding of the State of Israel. This chapter of history had been lost and forgotten, but thanks to award winning film maker Shuli Eshel the heroic story has now been documented. Attending the premiere were Dr. Barbara McDonald Stewart the daughter of James G. McDonald and other members of the McDonald family. The Consul General of Israel, Ido Aharoni was on had to introduce the film. Regina Gil, is Executive Director & Founder of GCIFF and Caroline Sorokoff is Festival Director. Information about the Film Festival can be found at goldcoastarts.org.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Shuli Eshel & Dr. Barbara McDonald Stewart

Dr. Barbara McDonald Stewart

James G. McDonald & FDR

Regina Gil, Executive Director & Founder, Shuli Eshel, Dr. Barbara McDonald Stewart

Regina Gil & Caroline Sorokoff, Festival Director

Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Park East Synagogue

Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York

Ido Aharoni, Shuli Eshel, Dr. Rafael Medoff

A Voice Among the Silent

Rabbi Arthur Scheier & James McDonald's grandson

Regina Gil, Shuli Eshel, Dr. Barbara McDonald Stewart, Dr. Rafael Medoff

Caroline Sorokoff & Stephen Sorokoff

Gil Eagles, Esther Eagles, EDa Sorokoff

Shuli Eshel & Caroline Sorokoff