“Our non-Jewish community struggles to grasp our deep-seated fixation and obsession with Israel,” remarks American right-wing lawyer Abe Foxman at the outset of Israelism, a timely new documentary.
Through the lens of two young Jewish Americans, the film offers a revealing exploration of their disillusionment upon realizing that Israel falls short of the idealized “Jewish Disneyland” they once envisioned.
Foxman, a prominent figure as the head of America’s influential Jewish organization Anti-Defamation League, features regularly in the documentary to depict the formidable and historic support for Israel among Jewish Americans.
“I think our film is helping to explain some of the phenomena [that we are] seeing of anything that criticizes Israel, even if it is done by Jews, as anti-Semitic.”
Israelism uncovers the intense relationship between American Jews, Israel, and a growing generational rift on the subject.
In fact, Israelism delves into practically uncharted waters and unravels the connection between Israel and “Jewishness,” and crucially, why criticism of the former is often conflated with criticism of the latter.
The US documentary hit the UK in April at an apt time too; as the British government characterized pro-Palestine demonstrations as “hate marches,” while those who criticize the Israeli government continue to be wrongly labeled anti-Semites.
The ongoing war in Gaza has kept the Palestine-Israel question at the forefront of political agendas and public discourse, leading to increased interest in understanding the complex relationship between various communities involved in the conflict.
“Israelism” serves as a poignant reminder of the growing divide within the Jewish community and the broader society regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on the challenges faced by those who dare to criticize Israel and advocate for Palestinian rights.
The documentary’s insightful exploration of personal narratives, generational perspectives, and the socio-political dynamics surrounding Israel and Jewish identity presents a thought-provoking and timely reflection on the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.