Announcing the 4th Local Jewish History Film Festival 2025

By Marina Berkovitch, President of the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers films are followed by discussions led by local historians. Attendance is free, but registration is required: https://www.jhsswf.org/upcoming-events/.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is the principle sponsor of the Festival.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5-6 p.m.

Helen and Joe Weinfeld arrived in Naples in the 1960s. Discrimination against Jews was in its zenith. They were told to keep driving to Miami. They did not listen and bought property. They encountered many instances of ignorance and intolerance, while also making lifelong friendships with Christian neighbors and working together for various charitable causes.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m.

Film 1: Chief Plager. After serving on the Miami-Dade Police for nearly four decades, Richard Plager became the very first Jewish policeman on Sanibel Island. He served as Chief for a decade, bridging gaps of discord and misunderstanding through wisdom and strength of experience.

Film 2: When Destiny Called. Holocaust survivor Elena Rosner came to Marco Island as an investor and convinced its developer into dedicating one of the plots for the first and only Marco Island Jewish temple.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5-6 p.m.

The Labodas of Fort Myers. Dr. Gerald, his wife, Sheila, parents and children made SWFL their permanent home. They contributed to its culture, development, wellness, governance, arts, etc., including organizing The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5-6 p.m.

Engineering The Future. After doing similar work in South America, WWII veteran Irv Berzon helped plan Collier County’s water preservation system, as well as other engineering fetes.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5-6 p.m.

Film Premiere – Mark Irgang Road