points of view
Miracle Mission page 43
with each other and Israel. How fitting
that this Detroit delegation assembled
at the place that, today, adjoins the
Davidson Center of the impres-
sive Jerusalem Archaeological Park,
funded through the generosity of the
William Davidson family and many
Detroit mission participants.
During the 10-day mission, more
than 30 buses traversed the country,
adhering to finely choreographed
itineraries tailored to individual buses,
sprinkled with mega-events involving
the entire group. Mission participants
returned to Detroit exhilarated and
exhausted, and in time to join 5,000
others in the community-wide annual
Walk for Israel.
This year, our community's annual
Walk for Israel takes place Sunday,
May 5, in West Bloomfield, with
Temple Shir Shalom serving as the
event's hub. It provides a perfect
opportunity to celebrate Israel, rec-
ognize participants from the 20th
anniversary of the still-larger-than-life
Miracle Mission (and those who have
traveled to Israel from Detroit on sub-
sequent miracle missions), and serves
as a fitting conclusion to the 70th
anniversary year of the Jewish News.
The miracle of Israel was only a
dream when the Jewish News first
began publishing. It is easy to over-
look the fact that Israel was re-born
in our lifetimes. When our parents,
grandparents and generations of their
predecessors prayed at their Passover
seders for "Next Year in Jerusalem:' it
was a largely unattainable goal. Today,
it is as simple as booking a flight on
one of several airlines.
Best wishes for a meaningful and
festive Passover. Thank you for your
multi-generational support of the
Jewish News. We look forward to see-
ing you, and celebrating Israel with
you, at the community-wide Walk for
Israel on May 5. ❑
Visit www.walkforisraeLorg for event details.
IN
Commentary
An Unbalanced Picture?
Countering The Gatekeepers' images of Israel.
was relieved and not at all disap-
directed the film.)
documentary division, Moriah Films,
pointed last month when neither
One can either applaud Israel for its
is coming out with the first half of the
of the Israeli entries for Best
level of democracy and cultural open-
two-part series based on the book The
Documentary at the Academy Awards
ness in presenting (and partially fund-
Prime Ministers.
came home with the prize. I felt
ing) these unflinching films, or cringe
Titled The Pioneers, it is a 105-min-
badly that the two films
at witnessing two more
ute film focusing on the tenures of
representing Israel, The
examples of the Jewish state
Levi Eshkol (1963-1969) and Golda
Gatekeepers and 5 Broken
portrayed in a harsh light.
Meir (1969-1974) and will have its
Cameras, took aim at the
But even as that debate
New York premiere on May 8. Part
country's alleged faults
continues, I am hopeful that
Two, on Yitzchak Rabin (1974-1977)
rather than its miraculous
three documentary film proj-
and Menachem Begin (1977-1983), is
accomplishments, sending a
ects, still in the works, will
scheduled to be completed in about
skewed message around the
help balance Israel's image
six months.
world.
with their inspiring stories of
"Hopefully it will make up for a
The Gatekeepers explores
heroism and love of Zion.
lot of the negativity" resulting from
why the six living former
the release of The Gatekeepers, said
heads of the Shin Bet
Ga r y
Upcoming
Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean
(Israel's FBI) are critical
Rosen blatt
Documentaries
of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. "This
of Israeli policy, or lack
Nancy Spielberg, a New York- film will make Jews and fans of Israel
of one, on the Palestinian
based producer, is at work on
proud."
front. The men are of different ages
a full-length documentary Above And
The efforts of Nancy Spielberg, Eric
and personalities, but they agree that
Beyond, which tells how the Israeli Air
Halivni and the Wiesenthal Center
successive Israeli prime ministers
Force came to be in 1948. Until then,
underscore the fact that the best way
approached the issue tactically rather
check out its website, www.playmount
to defend Israel — and educate this
than strategically, leaving the viewer
productions.com .
and future generations — is to tell its
with the impression that it is largely
For the last five years, Eric Halivni
story, through the authentic voice of
Israel's fault that peace has not been
has been working on an ambitious
those who were there. ❑
achieved.
effort to document on film firsthand
I thought of it as a full-length "trig-
accounts of the birth of the State of
Gary Rosenblatt is editor of New York Jewish
ger film," an opening for subsequent
Israel, bringing a generation's quiet
Week and a former editor of the Detroit
conversation and debate about the
heroism to life. His organization,
Jewish News.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly
Toldot Yisrael (Generations of Israel),
in Israel, where it is known all too well.
has managed to produce lengthy
For a discussion with filmmaker Dror
But I worried about the film's impact
interviews with 630 people to date,
Moreh of The Gatekeepers, see page
on American and worldwide audiences
the youngest of whom is 80 (www.
59.
who know little of the history and con-
toldotyisrael.org ).
text of the issues seen and discussed
Also, the Simon Wiesenthal Center's
on screen.
Even more so for 5 Broken
Cameras, directed by Emad Burnat, a
Palestinian who offers a personal and
activist take on the conflict, showing
An Israeli bus company last week launched new
alleged abuses by the Israeli army in
"Palestininans-only" bus lines from the West Bank into
the occupied territories. (Guy David,
central Israel. The official word is that the bus lines are
an Israeli, joined the project and co-
Last Week's Results
to "ease overcrowding," but the move is being met with
some criticism. What do you think?
Survel.
How do you feel about Detroit's new emergency financial
manager?
❑
It's about time.
❑
It's an assault on democracy.
Scan the OR code with
your smart phone to
take our survey, or logon
to www.jewishnews.com/
❑
It's unlikely to make a difference
in the city.
❑
I'm hopeful the EM will be able to
turn Detroit around.
44
March 21 • 2013
survey.
IL I'm uncomfortable with it, but
it may be a necessary evil.
I
2 0 %
I fth,
❑ Doesn't feel right; it could raise
perceptions of apartheid or racism.
■ This policy should be stopped
40°0
immediately.