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Kirk Douglas chats about classic movie role during a celebration of Israel's 60th.

Rose Ann Swerdlen of Oak
Park and Esther Ingber of
Oak Park

A

cademy Award-winning actor and producer Kirk Douglas received top billing
and spoke candidly about his Jewish roots during a celebration of Israel's 60th
birthday on April 8 at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park.
About 150 people attended a special showing of the 1966 film Cast a Giant
Shadow presented by the synagogue's Israel affairs committee.
Douglas, who stars as real-life World War II hero Colonel David "Mickey"
Marcus in the movie about the founding of the state of Israel, took part in a
live 15-minute question and answer session by phone following the screen-
ing.
"He was warm, friendly, funny and genuinely seemed to enjoy talk-
ing to the audience about the film and his life said Wendy Robins of
Huntington Woods, Beth Shalom's publicity chair.
Douglas told the crowd how John Wayne urged him to play the role of
Col. Marcus who is recruited by Israel to help strengthen its army after
gaining independence in 1948. Reluctant and conflicted over his Jewish
heritage at first, Marcus' experience turns him into a passionate Zionist.
"Douglas also spoke about how he personally reconnected to Judaism:' said Robins.
"He survived a helicopter crash several years ago followed by a stroke, which has affect-

Mark Beitner of Oak Park

ed his speech slightly. After that, he renewed his faith. He studies Torah now with Beth
Shalom Rabbi Dan Wolpe's brother, David, at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles."
The film brought back memories for many in the crowd, some of whom
were living in Israel at the time. Three people in attendance even made brief
appearances on screen as "extras!'
"It was just as emotional this time as when I saw it originally:' said Dan
Medow of Huntington Woods.
"It was really wonderful to hear the Hebrew and the Jewish songs;' added
Marilyn Emmer of Bloomfield Hills.
"Especially in a commercial movie added Marilyn Emmer of Bloomfield
Hills.
Spotted in the crowd were: Jan Wanetick, Andrea Boocker and Ross
Benchik, Arlene Gorelick and Jerry Lapides, all of Southfield; Myrna
Boardman of Rochester Hills; Margie and Alan Charnes of Commerce
Township; Ron Hamburger of West Bloomfield; Charlotte and Hank Jonap
of Livonia; Bob Thom of Royal Oak; and Ellen and Richard Racusin,
Barbara and Sheldon Schubiner, all of Oak Park. ❑

Sheryl Kaminer of Oak Park and Steve Weiss of West
Bloomfield

Sydney and Loraine Faber of Oak Park

April 24 • 2008

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