ABOVE and BEYOND

It was Stephen Spielberg's sister, Nancy, who decided to produce an untold true story which became the very first full length documentary about the heroic acts of its volunteer fly boys in the movie, Above and Beyond.


Our film group was fortunate enough to watch this film this past Thursday. This little known story imparted a very interesting piece of history. 

Special guest, Steve HonegsExecutive Director of the Jewish Relations Commission of MN&Dakotas, top row far right

You see, in spite of the U.S. Neutrality Act some WWII pilot vets voluntarily returned to the air in 1948  to help Israel gain its independence and form the beginnings of the Israeli air force. These volunteers were not all Americans nor jewish and for the most part pretty secular. "It wasn't their country but they made it their war." Their courageous involvement certainly changed not only their own lives but those of Israel's future citizens forever.

This M309 model was built by model hobbyist D. Hartman

who recently donated his aircraft model collection to our local

 American Legion Post where they are on display  

First and foremost their trek out of the U.S. had to be secretive. If found out, they would lose their citizenship. So their departure craft was disguised as a regular Panamanian airlines carrying the future fighter aircraft pieces inside. From Panama it was flown over to Italy while the men waited for orders. Ironically the craft to be flown to Israel was designed by the Germans called the Messerschmitt and these were reassembled in Czechoslovakia, the only European country to allow them to land. 

Unlike the 100's of hours these pilots had trained familiarizing themselves with their previous craft they only had one half hour to become acquainted with how to operate the Messerschmitt. Its engine was far inferior to anything they had ever flown but like David and Goliath this small band of pilots flying with the Star of David on their craft thwarted the encroaching Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian and Syrian armies. They were responsible for turning the tide of the War of Independence. 

Old film footage was also narrated by the pilots themselves as they spoke of their experiences including carousing in Italy as they awaited their mission.

 THEN
     &                                                                        NOW....  one of the pilots  Lou Lenart

Steve Honegs, Executive Director of the Jewish Relations Commission of Minnesota and the Dakotas was our special guest as he shared the "a story behind the story." One of those 4 U.S. pilots who volunteered was Leon Frankel, a long time family friend in the Twin Cities. Mr. Frankel recently passed away but his important actions in the formation of Israel will now live on through this important military biographical documentary Above and Beyond.

You definitely should add this fascinating documentary to your Netflix queue.