Congregation to Host Film

Injured in a recent automobile accident, Ann Litvin relies on a cane and struggles with mounting medical bills. Yet none of this keeps the 59-year-old Fullerton resident from her mission: to educate the public about how good can prevail in the face of evil.

At schools, synagogues and homes, Litvin for more than four years has been showing the acclaimed documentary “Weapons of the Spirit” and holding discussions about the film for any group that asks. It’s her attempt as an ordinary citizen to help others better understand the Holocaust.

“This is how I cast my vote for a sane society,” said Litvin, who will hold a showing of the documentary at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in a home at 3311 Kirkwood Drive in Orange. Information is available by calling (714) 671-0707.

Congregation Kol Simcha of Irvine requested the latest showing, but the event is open to the public. The documentary, by Pierre Savat, tells the story of a group of poor Christian farmers in France who managed to save all the Jews in their village during World War II.

“We all think you can never stand up, a little guy can’t win,” she said. “But here’s 5,000 little guys who could barely read and write, little farmers, and they stood up to the entire Nazi regime.”

Litvin’s aunts and uncles in the Soviet Union were killed by Nazis during World War II. But that was something her parents, who managed to escape, chose not to discuss much with Litvin. Frustrated, she began watching films and reading all the articles and books she could to understand the Holocaust.

Remembering the Holocaust and those who resisted it is important today because hate remains part of society, Litvin said. She recalls an experience of her own in 1961, shortly after moving to Fullerton: She found a burning cross on her lawn.

“Under the skin, we are the same,” Litvin said. “But the world won’t let us be the same.”