GIP Event: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict









Last night's screening of Tel Aviv on Fire and discussion facilitated by director Sameh Zoabi at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council was thought-provoking. The award-winning film, which premiered internationally at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, brings to light the plight of Isreali Arabs. Neither "entirely Palestinian in the eyes of the rest of the Arab world " nor "entirley Israeli," the movie conveys the dilemma that Palestinian filmmakers must contend with when their craft is supported with Israeli funds. This dilemma is not confined to the work of artists but reflects the situation of the community at large. Essentially, both sides - the Israelis as well as the Palestinians - want to ensure that their stories are depicted from their perspective - a task that seems nearly impossible. Yet, Zoabi approaches the topic in an outstandingly fair and light-hearted manner. Rather than emphasize the horrific and inhumane realities associated with the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, he tells the story by injecting humor and poking a little bit of fun at both sides.  On a personal level, I feel that Tel Aviv on Fire is a "must-see"because in contrast to the devastating narrative of the Jewish Israelis, which has been globally recognized since the travesties of WWII, the story of the Arab Israelis seems to remain clouded and misunderstood. As I searched to inform myself more about the situation, I found The Global Conflict Tracker - Council of Foreign Relations (produced by the Center for Preventative Action) which provides updated coverage of ongoing conflicts, including the Israel-Palestinian Conflict.

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