Panel to Follow Award-Winning ‘Refuge’ Documentary

Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Committee on Response to Hate and Antisemitism will showcase the award-winning documentary, “Refuge,” on Sept. 28, followed by a conversation with the producer and one of the film’s subjects.

Produced by Erin Bernhardt, an Atlanta native, the film takes place in Clarkston, Ga., one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. where more than 40 languages are spoken by residents. The film focuses on the community of Clarkston, but also is about the friendship between Dr. Heval Kelley, now a practicing cardiologist at Northside Hospital, and Chris Buckley, a former white nationalist and leader of the KKK in North Georgia.

The film follows Buckley’s journey from hate to understanding with the help of, first, a deprogrammer whom Chris’ wife, Melissa, found on the Internet, and then his evolving friendship with the Muslim doctor (Heval). Although there is no charge for admission for the Sept. 28 screening, viewers must register.

The program is co-chaired by Drs. Marianne and Stephen Garber, and Margie Eden.

Following the film, Erin and Chris Buckley will take part in a conversation. They are particularly interested in sharing actions that audience members can take to combat hate. The movie explores themes of empathy, understanding, and resilience through the film and the subsequent conversation.

Therapist Dr. Marianne Garber, stated, “When I watched the film, I was both incredibly impressed with Clarkston and equally moved by how important it is to step forward and reach out. I was nervous about calling Chris … but he was so warm and welcoming to me. He recognizes how his past colored his perspective and seeks to help reach out to others whose past interactions could affect their present feelings.”

Also a therapist, Dr. Stephen Garber related, “’Refuge’ shows that it is possible for individuals to  move away from deep seated hate, and communities can help others learn to understand and accept those who are different from them. Seeing the world as ‘us vs. them’ leads to so many problems. Finding our common humanity is the solution. This hopeful message is even more important now than ever.”

It’s certainly not a new concept that one-on-one friendships can change the trajectory of otherwise miserable or unfortunate outcomes.

Some feel that the current atmosphere in the U.S. leans towards being divisive, and that Clarkston is an exemplary beacon of hope. This writer recalls a film and book, “Outcasts United – The Story of an American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference,” by Warren St. John, about a young female Jordanian coach in Clarkston who took on Black, brown and white boys, some barefoot, playing soccer on every flat surface they could find. Despite obvious local challenges like equipment, fields, and uniforms, the team’s spirit broke a lot of barriers.

He recognizes how his past colored his perspective and seeks to help reach out to others whose past interactions could affect their present feelings.

Known as the most “diverse square mile in America,” Clarkston is in Dekalb County with a population of 14,756. The “Bitter Southerner” labeled it the “Ellis Island of the South.” The diversity is a result of a refugee resettlement program that began in the 1990s identifying Clarkston as an ideal location due to its proximity to Atlanta, public transportation, and affordable housing. Non-Hispanic whites make up only 10.7 percent of the population base.

“Refuge” won Best Feature Film and Audience Award in the 2022 Atlanta Film Festival. It has received accolades in multiple film festivals in Breckenridge, Cleveland, Virginia, and Sedona, and DOC NYC including jury and programming acclaims.

According to Lauren Dyckman, director of congregational engagement and events, “We are excited about the positive response we have received about the screening. Also, the event will have appropriate security in coordination with the advice of the Ahavath Achim security consultants and representatives of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.”

Dr. Marianne Garber noted that Jewish day schools, other synagogues, Christ the King Church, Marist School, Jewish Education Loan Fund, Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, SOJOURN, JBar (Jewish Bar Association), National Council of Jewish Women and others are promoting the screening.

To register, please visit: https://aasynagogue.org/event/screening-of-refuge-and-panel-discussion/