RE: Israelis and Klezmer

[Klezcorner <Klezcorner...>]

<< 
But, like Trudi, I see no reason not to help the person whose message 
originated this thread, and no reason to invoke any particular chauvinism 
while trying to be helpful.
 >>

This is going to be long, so those of you who have already attacked this man 
without knowing the facts can delete this since you have already made up your 
minds.
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Somewhere along the way, something got lost in the translation, and, I feel 
somewhat responsible.
Unfortunately, I was the one who refereed him to the list for help.

The gentleman in question is a filmmaker form Israel, and has received much 
international acclaim and numerous awards for his documentary on Rabin. He 
visited Hatikvah for the first time about 3 or 4 years ago. Up to that time 
he had never heard (European) Klezmer music. Though the purpose of his visit 
had nothing to do with Klezmer recordings, the conversation turned to the 
music, and he was fascinated by the music and the emotions the music evoked 
and we discussed the music for quite a while.

About 2 weeks ago, he visited again, and was able to recall everything that 
we talked about. He told me that he music he heard here years ago never left 
him, and said he wanted to make a (non documentary) film about/around Klezmer 
and asked me if there were any films produced that dealt with Klezmer music.  
I recommended Joel Rubin's film on the Epstein Bothers ,Yale Strom's film on 
Leopold Kozlowski, "In the Fiddler's House," and even "Yid'l Mitn Fidl". 
However, I did tell him that I didn't know if there were Klezmer films out 
there (other than concerts by contemporary bands).I also recommended some of 
the Klezmer related books discussed on this list.

I suggested that he post his questions to the LIST since we have so many 
"maven" who know "everything about everything", and I reassured him they 
would gladly help him in locating material. Little did I know that he would 
be attacked so viciously. All he did was ask a question as to where he might 
look. 
        
Many long time members of this list have asked where to find things, where to 
download FREE music, where can they find free sheet music, etc., and somehow 
they think they have the right to" these goodies" since they are "experts" on 
"Yiddish/Klezmer" music. Yet, when someone who has no knowledge of the 
subject, AND ADMITS IT, asks for help on a subject of which so many on this 
list are knowledgeable, he gets his teeth kicked in.

There is another side to this as well. Recently, new list member, Kobi, has 
asked the list for advice a number of times on various topics. List members 
have been glad to answer his questions--and so it should be. Yet when this 
gentleman who stated he is Israeli asked for advise, the attacks became 
"Yiddish v/s Israeli" in nature.

I asked this gentleman about his film on Rabin and as to whether it was 
available on video. It is licensed by a company in Europe. He practically 
gets 'bubkis' from the video-even though it has done very well. He told me 
the money is not important, the thing that is important is that the story be 
available.

I have referred to him as the gentleman, he is also a gentle man, and I am 
very sorry I led him to this ambush.
Simon

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