The Gala evening organised by B’nai B’rith Antwerp this year was entirely dedicated to the 60th anniversary of independence of the State of Israel. In our community, members of our Lodge particularly cherish Israel. This was the reason why it was essential to choose an Israeli production that would show our participation in the celebrations of the 60th hear of Israel’s independence.

During recent years, many Israeli branches of culture have been raised to a very high level. The cinema industry is in full development and therefore, with great enthusiasm we chose “The Band’s Visit” for our Gala. This picture was having tremendous success and was awarded many prizes at film festivals. The rush on the sales of the tickets was simply unbelievable.

René Trau, President of the Mala Zimetbaum Lodge welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support.
Moishe Smith, President of B’nai B’rith international, honoured us by his presence. In his address he praised the numerous actions of our Lodge and stressed that hundreds of Lodges in very many countries are dedicated to the continuity and maintenance of Jewish culture.

The film was projected in a fully booked theatre and the audience, who were greatly moved, gave it a standing ovation.

“The Band’s Visit” is a subtle love story, with hope and melancholy, a story both funny and sad about an Egyptian band that gets lost in Israel. The band had come to inaugurate an Arab cultural centre. Finally the musicians, arriving in an ugly little town, lost their way in the south of Israel. They had no choice but to spend the night there, and they became embedded in the village people’s lives. The unreal and magic night becomes an allegory of hope.