In 1975, a demolition crew was at work in central Israel, clearing away the remains of an old kibbutz training ground at the top of Kibbutz Hill in Rehovot. When several members of the demolition team wrestled aside a large rusted clothes washer, it revealed a small entryway that seemed to lead below ground. What they discovered had been kept secret for three decades. This never before told chapter in Israel’s history tells the inspiring story of 45 teenagers who were asked by the pre-State army of Israel to set up a fake kibbutz within walking distance of a British Army base and risk their lives to manufacture bullets in a secret ammo plant built entirely underground. Prime Minister Ben Gurion considered the nearly three million bullets that they manufactured as having been essential to ensuring Israel won its war for independence. Through interviews conducted with still living members of this brave group of youth as well as rare archival material, Codename: Ayalon pieces together this largely unknown but pivotal effort in the battle for Israel’s statehood.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with producer Laurel Fairworth, music composer Rodney Whittenberg, and moderator Jeffrey Weinstock, professor at the University of Miami. To view the conversation please click here.

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Sponsored by Faye Holand.

The Miami Jewish Film Festival virtual program is made possible with the generous support of Benjamin Nahum and Tamar Roodner.