On-Site Film Screening: “Refugee Lullaby”

What motivates a man to leave his home, wife, and children on a cold night to help refugees marching towards the border of his country?

In the seemingly peaceful and picturesque Austrian countryside resides Hans Breuer, Austria’s last wandering shepherd. Just hours outside of Breuer’s modest rural cabin, the tranquility is disrupted as thousands of refugees cross his country’s borders seeking asylum. He cannot sleep at night knowing that there are refugees who need help, only a two-hour drive from his home.

Using a private Facebook group, Breuer volunteers his time to help the refugees with everything from collecting food and water to driving them safely across the Hungarian border. He even sings them Yiddish lullabies from his childhood. Breuer’s acts of kindness are not motivated out of charity, but solidarity: his father, a Jewish dissident, escaped Austria before World War II.

Refugee Lullaby follows Breuer as he dedicates his life to helping refugees throughout Europe, and how other ordinary citizens step up to assist refugees. At its heart, it is a film about human compassion, its origins, and its boundaries, connecting Jewish history with current reality.

A discussion led by Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz, Adjunct Professor Emeritus, Department of History, Loyola University Chicago, will take place immediately following the screening.

Please call 847.763.3507 for assistance.

Clicking the link below will redirect you to the JCC Jewish Film Festival website for registration.