(Courtesy of JFNNJ) For more than 20 years, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey has been bringing a taste of Israeli cinema to the community. Theaters from Wayne to Teaneck to Jersey City had special showings of featured Israeli movies. “The committee devoted months to previewing movies to make sure they were choosing the ‘best of the best’ for our community,” said Melina Rozenbaum, director of Federation’s Center for Israel Engagement.

But this year, with theaters in lockdown and indoor gatherings largely prohibited, the Israel Film Festival needed to be re-imagined.

“We must continue this important tradition,” said Suzette Diamond, chairperson of the Festival. “Every year, over 1,000 people attended one or more movies, and this year, without any opportunity to travel to Israel, having the Film Festival was even more critical.”

For 2020, the Israel Film Festival has gone virtual. From November 4-30, people can binge-watch the movies they purchase online in their own living room at their convenience. The films are all documentaries exploring various topics including such important personalities as Golda Meir and Benjamin Netanyahu, sports, food and family dynamics.

This year, part of the film festival was organized in collaboration with the New York Israel Business Alliance.

For more information on the Israel Film Festival, please visit www.jfnnj.org/filmfestival   or email Melina Rozenbaum at [email protected]