Comments by Congressman Robert Wexler

On the Congressional screening of

"Desperate Hours"

I want to thank everyone here today who has taken time out of their busy schedules to attend the screening of an extraordinary documentary film Desperate Hours. This film describes in amazing detail the Turkish role in saving Jews during the Holocaust. Before I discuss the content of the documentary, I want to thank Turkish Ambassador Logogolu for his efforts to bring this film to light as well as for his efforts to strengthen U.S.-Turkish Relations. Finally, I want to congratulate and thank Victoria Barrett, the producer and director of Desperate Hours. Victoria has put her heart and soul into this documentary and this story would not have come to light without her unwavering commitment and determination to complete this effort.

As most of you are aware, the 64-minute film, produced and directed by Ms. Barrett, is a captivating narrative that takes the audience through the long history of relations between Turkey, as well as the Ottoman Empire, and the Jewish community. First shown at the Holocaust Museum, this film has received several excellent reviews. It was recently named "Best Documentary” at the 2003 D.C. Independent Film Festival. A Washington Jewish Week film review described Desperate Hours as "well written" with an "uplifting message of decency." Ms. Barrett is in attendance today and available to meet with Members of Congress and Staff to discuss the making of the film.

The historic Turkish-Jewish relationship started during the Spanish Inquisition at the end of the 15th century, when the Ottoman Sultan Beyazit invited Jews fleeing Spain and Portugal to settle in the Ottoman Empire. There, they found the freedom and liberty to worship and also to prosper in commerce and trade. Much later, during the 1930s, the newly established Turkish Republic again offered a safe haven to Jews fleeing persecution in Nazi overrun Europe. During that dark time, Turkish diplomats heroically rescued thousands of Jews who were about to be transported to Nazi death camps. For years this story was unknown - except those individuals who benefited from the efforts of the Turkish officials.

For example, "Desperate Hours" highlights the extraordinary bravery of Necdet Kent; a Turkish diplomat in France who boldly boarded a train full of Jews destined for certain death and refused to disembark without them. Baffled by his determination, Nazi authorities allowed him to leave and freed the prisoners with him. Ambassador Kent died last year, but we are fortunate to have his memory recorded in this documentary. For his heroic efforts, Ambassador Kent, has earned a place in the roll of heroes reserved for the likes of Raoul Wallenberg.

I would now like to turn to the Hosts of this event to further explain "Desperate Hours." I share the hope of many in the room today that this documentary, which is being shown across the nation, will bring to light and educate people about Turkey’s extraordinary role in saving thousands of Jews during World War II.