More than 100 people gathered in Lisbon for the screening of “2000 Kidnapped Jewish Children”. Credit: Frederico Domingues Foto
On the night of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, more than 100 people gathered in Lisbon for the screening of “2000 Kidnapped Jewish Children”, a joint production by the Jewish Community of Oporto and the Fundación Hispano Judía. The event was organized by the Embassy of Israel in Portugal and aimed to shed light on a little-known episode of contemporary Jewish history.
The film, directed by Luís Ismael, portrays the true story of Jewish children who were kidnapped and sent to the inhospitable island of São Tomé, then a Portuguese colony. The event was opened by the Israeli Ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, who previously served as ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe — a country directly connected to the film’s narrative.
"The people of São Tomé are well aware that there is Jewish blood in the history of their country", said the ambassador.
The Israeli Ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat. Credit: Frederico Domingues Foto
Next, the President of the Jewish Community of Oporto, Gabriel Senderowicz, spoke, emphasizing the importance of historical memory as a foundation for both identity and justice.
"This film, which was produced in collaboration with the Fundación Hispano Judía, responsible for documenting and sharing the history of the Spanish Jewish community, shows that the kidnapping of hostages by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. Crimes like this have occurred in all eras and regions", said Senderowicz.
Following the screening, a discussion was led by Dr. Yitzhak Cohen, a renowned academic expert in Jewish history and scriptures, who conducted the most in-depth research on the events depicted in the film.
"This is a story that must be told over and over, because it is deeply moving, and tragically relevant", declared Cohen, who came from Israel to attend the event. “What drives major historical events? Political power? Personal ambition? Economic gain? Or is it all layered together?", he added.
Dr. Yitzhak Cohen, an expert in Jewish history and scriptures. Credit: Frederico Domingues Foto
The debate was moderated by the Deputy Chief of Mission in Portugal, Yotam Kreiman. "Projecting this film and discussing these historical events are more than a window to our past, a past that is not taught in schools in Portugal. They are a key to understanding our present and our future, in how Jews are treated worldwide", stated Kreiman.
The evening was marked by emotion, deep reflection, and a powerful call to preserve historical memory as a tool to prevent the repetition of injustice.
