From the Four Winds

3.8/5 ( ratings)

It is 1959. A bright, curious boy named Haim is adjusting to a fascinating new world: that of an immigrant in the fledgling state of Israel. He and his family live in Beit Mazmil, a poor neighborhood on the edge of Jerusalem, together with other recent Eygptian immigrants, and Hungarians that settled there a decade ago. Haim learns how to play forferot and fly tiarot with the neighborhood boys, and to navigate the city to make his way to school each day. But he is baffled by the stark contrast between the Hungarians and the Egyptians: the Egyptian homes are warm and welcoming, full of life and laughter, but a shadow hangs over the Hungarians—shuttered and silent, they exude anguish.

Only one Hungarian is different. Farkash is vivacious and full of life, always ready with a word and a smile, always helping any and every member of the community. Still, Haim thinks he can see sadness in Farkash’s eyes. As Haim grows up, his relationship with Farkash develops into a friendship of equals. And finally Haim learns the truth, as Farkash confides in him about his life in Hungary, tells him the story of his parents and their tragedy, and entrusts him with three sacred charges.

From the Four Winds is an evocative, moving and poignant tale, of the lives of immigrants and the worlds they leave behind, and of the courage to endure great evil that love and faith can provide.