Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 23, 2009 – Florida law firm Greenspoon Marder and accounting firm Cass, Levy & Leone hosted a sold out “Defiance Movie Night,” raising at least $10,440 for charity. “Defiance” is a Paramount Pictures film depicting a true Holocaust story with a global message about genocide. The one-of-a-kind event on Jan. 21 from 6 – 10 p.m. at Muvico Palace 20 in Boca Raton featured the unique opportunity for guests to hear speakers Dr. David Herschthal, nephew of the Bielski brothers featured in the film, and Dr. Rosanna Gatens, representative of Save Darfur Coalition and Chair of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Holocaust and Human Rights.
A total of 245 people attended the event, which sold out two weeks in advance. Each guest donated a minimum of $50. Greenspoon Marder and Cass, Levy & Leone are still collecting donations and expect a final total within the next two weeks.
“Defiance” tells the true story of three Jewish brothers who rose against the Nazis in 1941. Fleeing to the forest, the Bielski brothers avenged the mass murder of their parents and family members while saving hundreds of their brethren. Defiance was directed by Edward Zwick (Blood Diamonds, 2006) and stars Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace – a James Bond film, 2008).
“While this film tells a story of the Holocaust, the underlying theme is genocide,” said Gerald Greenspoon, co-managing partner of Greenspoon Marder. “History continues to repeat itself today in Darfur, and the “Defiance” release created an opportunity to bring attention to the issue.”
Greenspoon and Herschthal had the idea of hosting a Defiance event after Herschthal returned from a family screening of the film in New York.
“It was empowering,” said Herschthal. “The Bielski brothers showed up on our doorstep when I was six years old, so I grew up listening to their stories. Their legacy of determination and perseverance profoundly affected my family, and my uncles would have wanted their story to inspire others.”
“The film’s message hits home in many ways, especially in the cultural melting pot of South Florida,” said Marty Cass, managing partner of Cass, Levy & Leone. “Many people can identify with the persecution and the struggle for survival and equality.”
Greenspoon Marder and Cass, Levy & Leone surpassed their goal to raise $10,000 for Save Darfur.