Sunday, October 15, 3:00 PM EDT
"Unlike many other documentaries about Israel, Israelism isn’t about the conflict, or at least not exactly. Instead, it considers how American Jewish institutions position Israel, valorizing the IDF and leaving out the darker side of the occupation, and what happens as those who grew up revering Israel learn about the plight of Palestinians."
– Mira Fox, Forward
The modern nation of Israel, created by the UN in 1948, is central to the political and cultural life of the American Jewish community. But Israel has also become a deeply divisive subject, as painful generational cracks have emerged within the Jewish community. Points of contention–including Israel’s apartheid policies toward its non-Jewish citizens as well as its oppression of Palestinians living on occupied lands–have led to debate, protest, and even censorship.
Focusing on the stories of two young Americans raised to defend Israel at all costs, Israelism traces their awakening to Israel's dehumanization of Palestinians and the ongoing violence of the occupation. The film explores the past, present, and future of the relationship between American Jews and Israel, as growing numbers question whether support for Israel should condition and define their Jewish identity. Featuring a range of American Jewish thinkers, community leaders and activists, Israelism asks how and why Israel became the cornerstone of American Judaism, what the consequences have been, and what will happen as divisions continue to grow.
Speakers: - Eric Axelman: filmmaker, co-founder of Tikkun Olam Productions / Simone Zimmerman: Jewish American activist, co-founder of IfNotNow / Lubna Alzaroo: instructor at the University of Washington specializing in settler colonialism
Our moderator will be Peter Beinart, Editor-at-Large, Jewish Currents; Professor of Journalism and Political Science, Newmark School of Journalism, CUNY; and Publisher, The Beinart Newsletter.
Trailer: ISRAELISM | Official Trailer - YouTube
To register (will be sent a link to the full film after registration): Meeting Registration - Zoom
Once you register, you will get a confirmation email from Zoom with a link to the meeting and a link with to watch the film. (Save this confirmation letter as the meeting link is unique to your email and you must have this to participate.)
Watch the film at your convenience before the event. Then join us with your thoughts and questions for our speakers at the Q&A Discussion
SUPPORTER Organizations: Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ♦ Episcopal Peace Fellowship-Palestine Israel Network ♦ Churches for Middle East Peace ♦ Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace ♦ Quaker Palestine Israel Network ♦ Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East ♦ Indiana Center for Middle East Peace ♦ Disciples Palestine-Israel Network ♦ Virginia Coalition for Human Rights ♦ Mennonite Palestine Israel Network ♦ Friends of Sabeel North America ♦ Center for Jewish Nonviolence ♦ United Church of Christ Palestine Israel Network ♦ Northern New Jersey Jewish Voice for Peace ♦ Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service ♦ Kairos Puget Sound Coalition ♦ Pax Christi USA ♦