Salvador Litvak’s “Guns and Moses” at the Jewish Film Festival

Director Salvador Litvak introduced “Guns and Moses” at the Jewish Film Festival in Atlanta earlier this year, engaging the audience with his insights.

The film tells the story of Rabbi Mo Salzmann (played by Mark Fairstein), who learns how to handle firearms after a shooter attacks his synagogue.

“In the Jewish community, the concept of ‘survivor’ has evolved beyond just the Holocaust,” one audience member commented. “It now includes the Kibtzym survivors at the border of Israel.”

Another audience member asserted, “I have a statement. This isn’t the approach we should take. We shouldn’t be fighting with guns.” To which Litvak responded, “I completely agree. We need all kinds of efforts—articles, editorials, speeches—to combat anti-Semitism and ally with others. But if armed assailants invade a synagogue, you need people like me or Rabbi Mo to protect you.”

Security and Community

Litvak, an Orthodox Jew himself, is associated with Magen AM, a volunteer security group dedicated to training and safeguarding Jewish communities.

According to Litvak, the audience reaction had been surprising and challenging. “It’s not easy, really,” he reflected.

“Guns & Moses,” featuring actors like Neal McDonough, Dermot Mulroney, and Christopher Lloyd, explores the intersection of Jewish identity and the Second Amendment. Litvak co-wrote the film with his wife, Nina, finishing production before the recent October 7 attacks.

The Jewish community has long been aware of its vulnerabilities, and Litvak hints that the film’s message will resonate even more heavily following recent events.

A Meaningful Project

Litvak came up with the idea for this thriller back in 2019. He began his research by diving into classic thrillers to learn from the best. The inspiration hit hard when he learned about the tragic shooting at a California synagogue that claimed the life of Lori Gilbert Kaye.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who survived that attack but lost fingers, spoke to Litvak about the necessity of creating something “good and meaningful” from such tragedies, which profoundly impacted him.

“That really struck a chord with me,” he noted, leading to the creation of “Guns and Moses.”

Challenges in Hollywood

The cast is robust, including veteran actor Christopher Lloyd, who portrays a Holocaust survivor. Litvak encountered difficulties securing notable names and eventually had to rely on actors who understood the vision, using a dialect coach to achieve the desired Eastern European accent.

Litvak expressed his concerns about the industry’s perceptions, saying, “Hollywood often seems disconnected from half of America.” His own family history fueled his passion; both his mother and grandmother survived the Holocaust.

He recalled feedback from industry insiders who believed that the film would perform well on streaming services, yet reminded him that the audience broadens beyond just Jewish viewers.

One agent’s dismissal of the film, arguing that “those people hate Jews,” left him baffled. “My jaw dropped. Have you ever actually interacted with those people? They stand with us,” he replied.

Breaking Stereotypes

That moment stuck with him, showcasing Hollywood’s detachment. He hopes “Guns and Moses” will highlight the importance of self-defense during uncertain times and shake off existing stereotypes about Jewish people.

“This is a faith-based action thriller, but it steers clear of typical tropes. It focuses on an Orthodox rabbi who takes his beliefs seriously,” he explained. “It’s important for us to break down these outdated stereotypes.”

The film takes firearms training seriously, aiming for realism rather than glorifying violence. “In reality, when you’re under pressure, you need to know how to draw and effectively use your firearm,” he added. “It’s not about attacking the innocent.”

Facing Current Threats

The themes of “Guns and Moses” have prompted Litvak’s team to navigate outside traditional Hollywood channels. “We knew no studio would back this film,” he said, admitting he couldn’t foresee the scale of recent atrocities like the attack by Hamas.

He believes the concept of ‘survivor’ has taken on a new context in the Jewish community, especially after recent crises. “Now, it includes Kibtzym survivors along the Israeli border,” he reflected.

The increase in visible anti-Semitism on campuses nationwide has also troubled him. “It used to be deemed unacceptable to call for Jewish deaths openly,” he noted. “Current political climates seem supportive of such rhetoric.”

“We’re living in challenging times now,” he said, asserting that “‘Never again’ should resonate with a commitment to safety.”