Canadian & Turkish Women’s Association of Ottawa,

under the auspices of the Embassy of Israel, the Embassy of Sweden,

and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, with the support of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa proudly presents:

The documentary film – Desperate Hours

Story of the Rescue of Jews by Turkish Diplomats

Directed and produced by Victoria Barrett, the film has won

The Jury and Audience Awards for Best Documentary

in the 2003 DC Independent Film Festival.

VENUE: Library and Archives Canada – Auditorium, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON

DATE & TIME: Monday, January 16, 2006, 7:00 PM

January 29, 2006

Dear Members,

We started the second year of CATWAO with a very successful event – the screening of the award-winning documentary “Desperate Hours” depicting the rescue of Jews by Turkish diplomats during the Second World War.  It was initiated by Ayse Heinbecker and organized with the support of the embassies of the Republic of Turkey, Israel and Sweden and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

As a result of this cooperation, this important event of historical significance is a little better known today and we are proud to have been instrumental in its recognition in the nation’s capital. 

Opening remarks were made by our Honorary Member Jacquelin Holzman who stressed on the significance of the documentary as an important part of CATWAO’s mission of  “bridging cultures”.  Following the speeches of the ambassadors, we had the opportunity of listening to Mr. Marcel Adams.  A survivor himself, he traveled from Montreal upon the invitation of the Turkish Embassy and spoke of his escape from Romania to Istanbul and then on to present day Israel. 

The film touched the hearts and minds of all the viewers; and in closing, I made a wish hoping it will come true:  May the spirit of those who reached out and lent a helping hand and the spirit in which it was received, be kept alive so that our grandchildren will also learn how courage and compassion made a difference.

We thank all our members and guests who joined us that evening and look forward to seeing you again in the near future at yet another interesting CATWAO event.

Please check our website http://www.catwao.ca/ for photos and excerpts from the ambassadors’ speeches.

Füsun Ören

CATWAO Executive Committee