How Jews in the Diaspora View the Israeli-Palestinian War: A Documentary's Revelations

The documentary Israelism is a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving relationship between young American Jews and Israel. Directed by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen, the film delves into how many in the Jewish diaspora, particularly the younger generation, are reexamining their views on Israel, driven by a growing awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this article, we explore how Jews in the diaspora view Israel — in light of the Israeli-Palestine war —and review the documentary Israelism drawing revelations about the growing ideological divide in the Jewish community.

How Jews in the Diaspora View the Israeli-Palestinian War: A Documentary's Revelations

Israel: A Bastion of Jewish Identity and Safety?

At its core, Israelism chronicles the journeys of two central figures, Simone Zimmerman and Eitan, both young American Jews whose experiences with Israel profoundly shape their worldviews. Zimmerman, a co-founder of the activist group IfNotNow, recounts her upbringing in a Jewish environment that glorified Israel as a bastion of Jewish identity and safety. Her eventual disillusionment with Zionism is a focal point of the documentary, as she comes to see the narrative she was taught as one-sided and disconnected from the reality of the Palestinian experience.

From Indoctrination to Awakening

Eitan's story mirrors Zimmerman's in its trajectory from indoctrination to awakening. He initially joins the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) out of a sense of duty, only to become disillusioned with the actions he is ordered to carry out against Palestinians. His eventual rejection of the occupation adds a deeply personal dimension to the film's broader critique of Israel’s policies and their impact on both Palestinians and the Jewish diaspora.

The Harsh Realities of the Israeli Occupation

The documentary doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the Israeli occupation. Through interviews with Palestinian activists like Sami Awad and footage of life under occupation, the film paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by Palestinians.

The film also includes perspectives from prominent critics of Israeli policies, such as Peter Beinart and Cornel West, while offering a more limited pro-Israel viewpoint through figures like Abraham Foxman, the former head of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Foxman, who later expressed regret for participating in the film, reflects the intense divisions the documentary has sparked within the Jewish community.

"A Damning Critique" of How American Jews Are Taught About Israel

Israelism has garnered both praise and controversy. On the one hand, it has been lauded for its courage in tackling such a sensitive topic and for providing a platform for voices that are often marginalized in mainstream Jewish discourse. The film has been described as a "damning critique" of how American Jews are taught about Israel, arguing that many are indoctrinated with a one-sided narrative that ignores the complexities and injustices of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Is Israelism Biased?

Critics of the film, however, accuse it of being overly biased against Israel, suggesting that it fails to represent the diverse opinions within the Jewish community adequately. Some screenings of the film have been met with protests and calls for cancellation, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Despite this, the film has found an audience, particularly among young Jews who feel alienated by traditional pro-Israel stances.

An Anti-Zionist Yet Progressive Perspective: Revelations from the Israelism Documentary

In terms of filmmaking, Israelism is praised for its compelling storytelling and its ability to convey complex issues through the personal narratives of its subjects. The documentary’s use of archival footage, interviews, and on-the-ground reporting in the West Bank provides a comprehensive look at the realities on both sides of the conflict. Yet, it also leaves some viewers wishing for a more balanced exploration of the topic, as it largely focuses on the anti-Zionist perspective.

Generational Shift in Perspectives: How Jews in the Diaspora View the Israeli-Palestinian War

Israelism provides a compelling examination of the growing divide within the Jewish community regarding Israel's actions against Palestinians. The film highlights a significant generational shift in perspectives, particularly among younger American Jews.

Growing Shifts in the Old vs Young Jews' Views on Israel

While older generations often hold Israel in high regard, viewing it as a symbol of Jewish survival and a necessary homeland in the wake of the Holocaust, many younger Jews are increasingly critical of Israel's policies, especially its treatment of Palestinians.

This shift is underscored by statistics showing that a growing number of American Jews, particularly those under 30, express more favorable views towards Palestinians than previous generations. A Pew Research Center survey from 2022 indicated that 61% of young American Jews view Palestinians favorably, reflecting a broader trend of questioning long-held pro-Israel stances within the community​ [The Blogs at The Times of Israel].

Israel as an Apartheid State: So Much Evil from a "Holy Land"

The documentary vividly contrasts the idealized image of Israel as a "holy land" and a safe haven for Jews with the stark realities of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Through firsthand accounts and footage from the West Bank, Israelism exposes the systemic discrimination and violence Palestinians face under Israeli rule.

The film labels Israel's policies as apartheid, a term increasingly used by human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to describe the state's treatment of Palestinians. This framing is controversial but resonates with a segment of the Jewish community that feels alienated by what they see as the hypocrisy of supporting a state that engages in such practices while claiming to uphold Jewish values of justice and equality​. [Went2TheBridge] [But Why Tho?].

The Politics of Publicly Supporting Israel: Trading Values for Political Correctness and Campaign Funding in US Politics

Politically, the film also touches on the tightrope that U.S. leaders walk in their public support for Israel. The influence of powerful lobby groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is evident in the near-universal backing Israel receives from both major political parties in the U.S.

Despite growing criticism from within the Jewish community and the broader public, political leaders often refrain from criticizing Israel's policies, mindful of the electoral and financial consequences of alienating pro-Israel voters and donors. This political correctness, driven by lobby groups, contrasts sharply with the evolving views within the Jewish community, particularly among those who are increasingly vocal about their opposition to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories​ [But Why Tho?]

The Ethical Implications of 'Blind Support' for Israel

In summary, Israelism not only exposes the realities of Israeli policies towards Palestinians but also reflects the deepening divisions within the Jewish community and the complex dynamics of U.S. politics surrounding the issue. The documentary challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of unwavering support for Israel in light of the human rights abuses it documents, urging a reassessment of what it means to support justice and peace in the Middle East.

Questioning Views on Zionism and Jewish Identity

Overall, Israelism is an important and timely documentary that challenges viewers to reconsider long-held beliefs and to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity. Its impact lies not only in the stories it tells but also in the broader debate it sparks within the Jewish community and beyond. Whether one agrees with its perspective or not, the film undeniably contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding one of the most contentious issues in contemporary geopolitics.

.@ilazer endorses Israelism, stating:

‘Israelism validated instincts I had growing up a caucasian American Jew, deconstructing the mythology around Zionism. This film helped me sort out confusing narratives, and strengthened my Jewish instincts for collective liberation’ pic.twitter.com/g4U7IpNDjb

— IsraelismFilm (@IsraelismFilm) June 14, 2024

Our Rating: is Israelism a Worthy Watch?

For those interested in the intersections of identity, politics, and justice, Israelism is a must-watch, offering a window into the shifting attitudes within the Jewish diaspora and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights​. We rate the film a 9.0/10 for how well it tells the story of how Jews in the diaspora are fed a purified narrative of the state of Israel. We also love that it asks the tough questions, especially now that Israel is continuing its genocide of the Palestinian people.