Documentary on Neo-Nazi Threat to Holocaust Survivors to Air on WLIW/WNET TV

Three decades after the end of WORLD War II and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, a group of neo-Nazis threatened to march through a Chicago suburb that was home to some 7,000 Holocaust survivors-the largest concentration of survivors outside of Jerusalem at that time.

A new 60-minute documentary produced by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, SKOKIE: INVADED BUT NOT CONQUERED, examines the personalities and issues connected to the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie, IL in the late 1970s. The film, which is presented by WTTW National Productions and distributed by American Public Television, is scheduled to air on over 200 PBS-affiliated stations in more than 115 markets this month.

It is currently scheduled to air on the following days in New York City:

· Sunday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m. on channel WLIW-TV (21.1)
· Monday, April 28 at 1:00 a.m. on channel WNET-TV Thirteen
· Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)
· Tuesday, April 29 at 1:00 a.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)
· Tuesday, April 29 at 9:00 a.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)
· Tuesday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)
· Wednesday, April 30 at 4:30 a.m. on channel WNET-TV Thirteen
· Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)
· Friday, May 2 at 3:00 a.m. on channel WLIW-TV (21.1)
· Monday, May 5 at 5:00 a.m. on channel WLIW-TV (World 21.3)

The documentary, written by Todd Whitman to coincide with the 35th anniversary of these events, makes extensive use of archival footage and contemporary interviews to reveal how a debate over First Amendment rights inspired Holocaust survivors to become activists.

"Even for those who consider themselves familiar with the events of Skokie, this film reveals so much more to the story," said Rick Hirschhaut, co-executive producer of the film and founding executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. "Above all, the courage and spirit of the survivors stands triumphant. Their dignified response to the threat of neo-Nazis in their community awoke the conscience of our nation to the sanctity of memory and the imperative of standing up to hate. A generation has come of age inspired by their poignant example of the best of humanity," he added.

The film's co-executive producer, Todd Whitman, said, "Many aren't aware that in 1977, quiet and peaceful Skokie-a Haven for Holocaust survivors-was shaken to its core when a small group of neo-Nazis tried to march there. This attracted national and international attention, leading to landmark legal cases. It never ceases to amaze me when looking at the shocking scenes of overt racism demonstrated by the Chicago Nazi group, nearly ending in violent and tragic results."

"The Illinois Holocaust Museum and its educational mission were born from the efforts of survivors in response to the attempted march," said Susan Abrams, incoming CEO of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. "The Museum's permanent exhibition ends with a small exhibit about this historic turning point and the effects it has had on the greater Chicago area and the nation as a whole. We are pleased to share this story with others across the country through the documentary film."

SKOKIE: INVADED BUT NOT CONQUERED is the first film created by the Illinois Holocaust Museum. The film aligns with the Museum's mission of fighting hatred, standing up to indifference and promoting human rights. Executive Producers are Rick Hirschhaut and Todd Whitman. Editors are Jeff Kreindel and Luke Hetherman. Graphics by Luke Hetherman. Hosted by Aaron Freeman. Music by Eric Jasper. Videography: Dustin Grove, Jeremy Johnson and Daryl Lannert. Assistant Producer: Karen Bass.

SKOKIE: INVADED BUT NOT CONQUERED has been made possible through the generosity of the Crain-Maling Foundation, a proud sponsor of public broadcasting that is dedicated to supporting medical research, education and the arts. Additional funding was provided by MB Financial Bank, The Feis Family, Philip and Ellen Glass, Philip and Mindy Rosenberg, Manfred and Fern Steinfeld, Sam and Jennie Berk, Richard and Eve Biller, and Michael and Andrea Rosengarden.

About the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Likely the last international institution of its kind built with the active participation of Holocaust survivors, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is the largest facility in the Midwest dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and to teaching current generations to fight hatred, indifference and genocide in today's world. Learn more at www.illinoisholocaustmuseum.org

About WTTW National Productions

WTTW National Productions is a premier producer and presenter of original, high-quality television programs for both public and commercial television broadcast. WTTW National Productions is a division of Window to the WORLD Communications, Inc., the parent company of WTTW11 Chicago. For more than 50 years, WTTW11 and WTTW National Productions have introduced a wide array of ground-breaking television programming - reflecting the world's rich and diverse arts and entertainment scene as well as education, politics, public affairs, business, and religion - to a national audience. Its landmark innovative series and original productions include the critically-acclaimed performance showcases Soundstage, Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis; Proclamation of Hope, and David Broza at Masada: The Sunrise Concert; cultural series, MEXICO-One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless, Grannies on Safari, Ebert Presents At the Movies and The Artist Toolbox; the business series CEO Exchange; the documentary series Retirement Revolution; the transmedia online educational children's properties Mission to Planet 429 and UMIGO, and the award-winning animated children's series WordWorld. For more information, please visit www.wttw.com/national.

About American Public Television (APT)
American Public Television (APT) has been a leading distributor of high-quality, top-rated programming to America's public television stations since 1961. In 2010, APT distributed nearly half of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles. Among its 300 new titles per year are prominent documentaries, news and current affairs programs, dramatic series, how-to programs, children's series and classic movies, including For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots, A Ripple of Hope, Rick Steves' Europe, Newsline, Globe Trekker, Simply Ming, America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated, Lidia's Italy, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, Murdoch Mysteries, Doc Martin, Rosemary & Thyme, The Rat Pack: Live and Swingin', Johnny Mathis: Wonderful, Wonderful! and John Denver: The Wildlife Concert. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service. In 2006, APT launched Create® - the TV channel featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming. APT is also a partner in the WORLD™ channel expansion project.

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