The Story of Lina Amato, a documentary based on a true story of a courageous Turkish diplomat Ambassador Selahattin Ülkümen and the Amado family of Rhodes drew a large crowd in sunny Southern California.

Mr. Ülkümen, then Ambassador to Rhodes, saved the Amato family from the Holocaust. The attendees commemorated the victims of the Holocaust and recognized the courage of righteous diplomats. The Story of Lina Amato was another reminder of friendship, courage, and cooperation.

The event was co-hosted by the Yunus Emre Institute, Consulate General of Turkey in Los Angeles, LOA/Apricot Tree and The Rose Project. Consul General of Turkey Can Oğuz and Dr. Senem Çevik, vice-president of LOA/Apricot Tree and professor at UC Irvine gave opening remarks at the event. Selahattin Ülkümen’s niece Ms. Sedef Ülkümen shared a few childhood memories she had with her uncle.

The documentary was followed by a light dinner with Sephardic dishes. The Turkish Sephardic cuisine, which is influenced by the Mediterranean, is an important part of Turkish cuisine. Attendees learned about some cooking tips about the Turkish Sephardic cuisine.