We are pleased to announce the debut of Irena’s Vow, premiering in US theaters April 15 and April 16 and across Canada April 19. The film tells the heroic story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish nurse and a Righteous Among the Nations, who saved Jewish workers during the Holocaust.
Our dear friend David (Dudi) Abadi Z”L, the late Director of the March of the Living in Poland, played a very important role in the making of the film.
David passed away in 2023, in Poland, one day after the March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau took place. David joined us on the first March 38 years ago and worked with the March right up until the conclusion of the 2023 ceremony in Auschwitz-Birkenau on Yom Hashoah. He was an exceptionally positive empathetic and optimistic person – who cared deeply about Polish Jewish relations.
Because of his commitment to enhancing Polish Jewish ties, Irena’s Vow was a project David felt very passionate about. David was instrumental in making sure the production was successfully implemented when Irena’s Vow began shooting in Poland in April 2022.
Irena’s Vow represents another side to the history of the Holocaust – stories of exceptional courage bravery altruism and heroism. As we study the Holocaust and come across the stories of unending barbarism and cruelty we are grateful there are those who show us about this other face of humanity – the shining points of light in a bleak landscape that remind us that even in the darkest times there is reason to hope.
Irena’s Vow is a remarkable and timely film- and a lasting legacy to the goodness and kindness that David represented to so many of us who were fortunate to work with David on the March of the Living.
The film was featured on February 26, 2024 at People.com – Read more
