Bringing Our Father’s Story Home

Dear Friends of the Joseph Bau House Museum,

There are moments when the past, present, and future seem to meet—and for us, seeing the film about our father and mother arrive in Israel has been one of those moments.

For many years, our parents’ story existed for us as something deeply personal—our father Joseph Bau’s memories, his drawings, his humor and defiance, and his love story with our mother Rebecca, all shaped under unimaginable circumstances. Seeing that story now come to life as Bau, Artist at War – יוסף באו, אמן במלחמה on screens across Israel, before audiences and in places that feel like home, has been profoundly moving, with nearly 1,200 people attending the film's screenings in three cities.

The screening at the University of Haifa on December 29, 2025 brought a different kind of thrill. We watched students, faculty, and other guests encounter Joseph Bau not only as a Holocaust survivor but as an artist, a trickster, a romantic, and a man who chose joy as an act of resistance. The thoughtful conversations that followed affirmed for us how powerfully this story continues to resonate with new generations. That resonance is also evident in the remarkable success of Yosef Bau – From Poland to Israel, a unique exhibition presenting a curated selection of works from Bau’s expansive and multidisciplinary body of work. Initiated by the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Library in collaboration with the Polish Studies Unit in the School of History, the exhibition on view at the Library has been extended due to strong interest and continues to draw wide and enthusiastic audiences.

The film’s premiere at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem on January 1 felt especially meaningful. That institution stands for human dignity, moral responsibility, and the fight against hatred—values our father embodied not through speeches, but through creativity, courage, and an unbreakable belief in life. Seeing his story honored in that space was both humbling and exhilarating.

And then there was the Tel Aviv Cinematheque on January 4, just minutes from the streets where our father built his postwar life, raised his family, and created his studio. To see audiences in Tel Aviv—his city—laugh, cry, and applaud as the credits rolled felt like a homecoming.

We are deeply grateful to the creative team who helped bring this story to life and who joined us in Israel to share it with audiences. Our heartfelt thanks to screenwriter and producer Deborah Smerecnik, executive producer Richard Allen, and actor Inbar Lavi for being present at the Israel screenings. Their commitment, care, and willingness to engage with audiences made these moments even more meaningful for us and for everyone who attended.

We invite you to take a moment to view the photos from the Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv screenings. They capture not only the excitement of these events, but the faces, conversations, and shared emotions that made this journey so meaningful to us. Seeing our father’s story reflected back through these moments is something we will always treasure.

We are especially excited to share that this homecoming continues with three additional screenings (more details below) at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque this February, creating more opportunities for Israeli audiences to experience our parents’ story together, in community. Each screening feels like another affirmation that Joseph and Rebecca’s legacy still resonates—here, where so much of their creative and family life unfolded.

Beyond theaters, our parents’ extraordinary story continues to reach new audiences through the digital release of Paramount Pictures’ feature film Bau, Artist At War (יוסף באו, אמן במלחמה), which is now available for purchase or rental in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Israel on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and other digital retailers. We are also deeply moved that the film is now screening onboard Delta, American, and United Airlines, allowing Joseph’s story to cross borders in the most literal sense—carried by travelers around the world.

While this moment is filled with pride and gratitude, it also comes at a critical time.

The Joseph Bau Museum’s home is under threat. The building that houses our father’s former studio—where his art was created and where his story has been shared with thousands—has been sold and is slated for demolition. We must now secure a new home to preserve this irreplaceable heritage.

This is why the Save the Joseph Bau Museum CauseMatch campaign is so urgent. Your support now is critical. Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring that Joseph and Rebecca’s story—and the lessons it holds about creativity, courage, and love—endure for future generations.

💙 We are deeply grateful to all who have already donated. If you have been waiting for the right moment to contribute, please know that moment is now. The need is urgent, and your gift will help safeguard the museum and our parents’ legacy at this pivotal crossroads.

As we watch our father’s story light up screens across Israel and around the world, we are reminded of something he lived by: even in uncertain times, what we create—and what we choose to protect—matters.

The growing attention to the film strengthens our resolve: the world needs the museum that holds the original artworks, love letters, animation tools, and true stories behind the film.

We look forward to welcoming you to the museum for more moments of connection through art, history, and remembrance. For now, the museum remains lovingly housed in our father’s former studio at 9 Berdichevsky Street in Tel Aviv. Visit us in person (please email JosephBauMuseum@gmail.com to book a visit in advance)—or explore our virtual tour from anywhere in the world.

Stay connected through our e-newsletters and Facebook updates. Our updated Linktree includes all museum resources in one place — and we would be grateful if you could share our email sign-up link with your friends and communities.

With heartfelt gratitude and early Valentine wishes,

Clila and Hadasa Bau

Co-Directors

Joseph Bau Museum