Voices From the Holy Land

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Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian situation -- with its attendant issues of violence and repression, justice and fairness, peace and security, separating biblical Israel from the modern state of Israel, competing historical narratives, long-held myths and beliefs – is complex, difficult, and emotional. Especially now, when not a week goes by without a news headline generating confusion, controversy, and conflict. The topic of the Israeli-Palestinian “conflict” is a difficult conversation for most Americans to have, even for those who are informed and dispassionate. Most Americans are insufficiently informed and are conflicted on what to believe. Mainstream media, it is apparent, does not do a good job of presenting fully and fairly all sides of the issue; there is more “repeating” of the loudest voice than “reporting.” Lost in all of this cacophony are the voices of the people living in the Holy Land.Voices From the Holy Land Film Series seeks to offer a different perspective. It seeks to provide a voice to the people living in this Holy Land. It seeks to present informative and compelling documentary films by Israeli, Palestinian, American, and European film makers to start conversations. Through these films and associated discussions, we hope to inform the audience that: Israel-Palestine history is often misunderstood Life under occupation is difficult and unfair Issues of justice and human-rights in Israel-Palestine are in the same continuum of the Civil-Rights struggles in our own country Many Israelis know and understand that continued occupation is not the solution Small groups of Israelis and Palestinians are coming together to promote peaceful solutions US policies and US media have affected our understanding of the current “conflict” There still reason to hope Voices From the Holy Land Film Series is sponsored and supported by a coalition of interfaith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Unitarian) and interdenominational organizations nationwide whose members feel called by their faith to work for justice, human rights, and peace in the land that is holy to all three Abrahamic faiths.