Movie review, “Israelism” (2023)

A Documentary Critically Exploring the Ties Between Jewish Identity and Support for Israel

This weekend, I watched the documentary Israelism. You can read about the movie here. The film has received a wide range of reviews, with some praising it for its bold approach, while others have fiercely criticized it. Usually the praise or critique follows ones views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. On one side, it is lauded for opening up a conversation about the deep connections between Jewish identity and support for Israel. On the other, it's attacked for being overly simplistic, with detractors calling it propaganda, shallow or a one-sided portrayal of the situation. These polarised reactions often reflect the viewer’s pre-existing views on the conflict, which underscores the documentary's provocative nature.

While it’s true that the film, with its one-hour runtime, doesn’t cover every detail, this critique somewhat misses the point. The movie isn’t designed to be, nor claims to be, a comprehensive analysis of all the issues regarding this conflict. Rather, I see it as a personal journey, and a starting point for conversation, offering viewers a glimpse into an overlooked perspective. It simplifies things, yes, but that’s part of its mission as I understand it: to spark dialogue and make a complex subject accessible to a wider audience.

Some critics go further and label the film as propaganda, a term often used against any media that challenges dominant narratives. Yes, Israelism does not shy away from presenting a perspective that many in the pro-Israel camp may find uncomfortable, but discomfort alone doesn’t make something untrue or propagandistic. It’s important to question why certain viewpoints are so strongly contested and why those who challenge the status quo are dismissed so quickly.

The core message of Israelism centers on how certain groups, particularly within the US Jewish establishment, have prioritized supporting Israel over the well-being of Jewish people themselves. This idea might seem surprising, but the film presents evidence of how some have actively worked to tie Jewish identity so closely to support for Israel that questioning the state of Israel is viewed as an act of betrayal. Those who challenge Israel’s policies are often labeled “self-hating Jews.”

Moreover, Israelism touches on the role of indoctrination, showing how individuals are immersed in a worldview that sees Palestinians not as human beings with their own stories and struggles, but as enemies or obstacles to be eliminated. This kind of indoctrination is not unique to the pro-Israel camp; it is seen in many areas of the world. However, the film makes a critical point: it is one thing to recognize the indoctrination of others, but it is another to acknowledge that such processes exist within your own camp, especially when the stakes are so high.

Although Israelism doesn’t cover every aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it brings an important perspective that is often overlooked. It’s not a deep dive into every nuance, but it doesn’t have to be. The documentary serves as a starting point, encouraging viewers to ask hard questions and seek out other perspectives. In a world where the situation in Gaza is more dire than ever, and the death toll continues to rise, this film is incredibly timely. It calls for people to have difficult conversations—ones that are often avoided but are absolutely necessary for any real progress to be made.

By focusing on the personal stories of individuals and groups within the conflict, Israelism shines a light on the emotional and human side of the political struggle. It’s not trying to provide all the answers, but it forces the viewer to engage with the topic. As such, the film has great value, especially in today’s climate, where understanding the root causes of the conflict can feel increasingly urgent. This film goes beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; it forces us to examine how identity can be manipulated and how such divisions shape our understanding of humanity and conflicts.

It has some weaknesses, but a movie indeed worth watching!

All articles on Diaspora Dialogue are free to read for one year from publication. If you’ve enjoyed this piece and would like to support my work, you can do so by buying me a coffee. Thank you for reading and being part of the dialogue!

Article Series Zionism