A local pro-peace coalition in partnership with Santa Monica's Beth Shir Shalom will present a director's screening of the powerful, award-winning documentary Israel vs. Israel in the series Progressive Conversations on Israel, Palestine and U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, followed by a public forum, on Thurs., Jan. 26, 7:30 pm (doors 7 pm).

"Israel vs. Israel" Screens in "Progressive Conversations" SeriesThe program takes place at Beth Shir Shalom, the progressive Reform synagogue of Santa Monica. As Israel continues to drift to the right, with new laws that discriminate against its non-Jewish citizens and make life increasingly difficult for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, many Jewish Americans are experiencing confusion in terms of their unconditional support of Israel. This program opens up a conversation on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and what Americans can do to help.

Following the screening, director Terje Carlsson*, Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels and additional guest speakers will engage in a public conversation, with an open Q & A.

Israel vs. Israel is a documentary about Jewish peace activists who face skepticism and criticism from their fellow Israeli citizens, a rabbi, a soldier, a grandmother and an anarchist—four very different Israelis who share a common goal: to achieve peace in the Middle East and end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories. Undeterred, they promote a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to improve the lives of Palestinians and their fellow countrymen alike. Using in-depth interviews and dynamic footage to narrate their inspiring stories, Israel vs. Israel provides a unique perspective on the struggle to find a peaceful solution of this decades-long conflict. Watch trailer.

Progressive Conversations on Israel, Palestine and U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, the monthly lecture series, is organized and cosponsored by LA Jews for Peace, Jewish Voice for Peace, Friends of Sabeel and the Levantine Cultural Center.  

Info/RSVPs 310.657.5511. Seating limited and advance reservations are strongly advised.

Awards

Public Liberties and Human Rights Award - Al Jazeera Documentary Festival 2011
President of the Festival - Special Award at the One Shot ISFF Festival, 2011
Best Documentary -2011 Turkish Radio and Television Documentary Awards
Best Documentary Honorable Mention - 2011 Ojai International Film Festival

Beth Shir Shalom and local map