Disturbing the Peace

Gr 9 Up—What do military and terrorist attacks really mean for the Israeli and Palestinian families who have suffered because of them for decades? Is peace in the region at all possible? And what about the wall separating these two societies? This documentary offers perceptions of both sides as victims, combatants, and agents for change. With intimate interviews switching between Palestinian and Jewish subjects, the film makes clear their feelings of resentment. Alarming street scenes depict how aggression creates chasms in communities, physically and emotionally, leaving all yearning for a solution. Soon, though, compassion is felt among the interviewees, and the momentum toward conciliation takes hold. Combatants for Peace, a courageous group of Israelis and Palestinians, organizes a demonstration in 2006 at the tall concrete barrier that divides the two communities. Here, a peace march is held with drums and large puppets. Israeli Defense Forces arrive to stop it, but demonstrators employ bullhorns and urge peace, tolerance, and fraternity. This presentation focuses on the past 25 years, thus missing critical historical facts, and raises questions: Could a similar peace initiative take place in Palestinian territory? Do Israeli and Palestinian leaders treat "peaceniks" the same? Does the broader historical context of the region matter?