RESISTANCE CINEMA Presents “ISRAEL VS ISRAEL” a film by Terje Carlsson, C0-production by Ekedalen Produktion Film & Varmland film, Produced and directed by Terje Carlsson, (2010, 61 minutes)
WHEN: Sunday May 6, 2012 1:15 pm
WHERE: Community Church NYC Gallery Room, 28 East 35th st. btwn Park & Madison Aves.
ADMISSION: Free, donations appreciated
Once again Resistance Cinema turns its attention to the Israeli/Paestinian conflict. This time we go directly inside Israel and take a close look at how a growing peace movement of Israelis is breaking down barriers and challenging their fellow citizens to rethink the most fundamental assumptions about their lives and their future. The focus is on four intrepid activists including one, Rabbi Arik Ascherman, who was a guest speaker here at Community church three years ago.
The fight for peace divides Israel in Terje Carlssons new documentary Israel vs Israel. One grandmother, one rabbi, one anarchist and one ex-soldier – four
Israelis trying to put an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories. The film is about Jewish peace activists who in both words and actions take a stand against 40 years of occupation and illegal settlements. This is a film about the desperate struggle to somehow change the current situation and improve life for the Palestinians. In return, these activists face skepticism and hatred from fellow Israeli countrymen. Israel vs Israel reveals both sensitive family discussion as well as secret testimonies from former combat soldiers. These Israelis are often portrayed as naïve, unreliable and dangerous for the Jewish state. They are often ridiculed and demonized for their honest commitment.
Peace activist 1: Yehuda Shaul
Yehuda Shaul is one of the leaders in the organization Breaking the Silence – where Israeli soldiers secretly tell about the daily routine as an occupier. The organization collects testimonies regarding abuses, looting and excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians. Yehuda Shaul is a former commander and combat soldier in the Israeli army. Today he organizes tours to Hebron, where violent Jewish settlers threaten and harass the traitor Yehuda Shaul.
Peace activist 2: Ronny Perlman
Ronny Perlman is the Jerusalem co-ordinator for the organization Checkpoint Watch. She
documents abuse from Israeli soldiers against Palestinians, at some of the checkpoints in the West Bank. Ronny’s son serves in the army but she hopes that her grandchildren will refuse or somehow avoid military service.
Peace activist 3: Arik Ascherman
Arik Ascherman is a rabbi and well-known leader for Rabbis for human rights. According to rabbi Ascherman, equality and basic human rights are very important parts of Judaism. Arik protects Palestinian farmers against Israeli soldiers and religious Jewish settlers. The settlers view the West Bank and Jerusalem as vital parts of God’s holy land, promised to the Jewish people. Arik Ascherman supports a different interpretation of the Bible, where human rights are much more important than fanatical interpretations of The Holy Land.
Peace activist 4: Jonathan Pollack
Jonathan Pollack is a well-known member of the network Anarchist against the Wall. During anti-wall demonstrations together with Palestinian and international activists, Jonathan has been arrested by Israeli soldiers. The wall is built on occupied land. Jonathan Pollack is often portrayed by other Israelis as someone who deserves a bullet in the head, because of his actions against the Israeli soldiers.
Filmmaker Mr Terje Carlsson is a freelance journalist based for many years in Jerusalem, working mostly for Swedish National Radio and Television. Terje has during last decade produced shorter documentaries and features from ex-Yugoslavia, South Africa and different parts of the Middle East. In 2008, his first feature documentary Welcome to Hebron was released. The film won several awards at festivals all over the world, including the Med Film Festival in Marseille. Israel vs Israel is his second feature documentary from the Middle East.