Israelism

I have seen Israelism twice and both times to filled showings to young American Jews who were enthusiastic in their responses as the film resonates with their experiences growing up in the American Jewish community.

I myself have grown up as a baby boomer, and it was a revelation to me as to how the Jewish educational system has changed since I was a youth involved in it. The movie goes on to follow the experiences of young people who for the first time have opened and questioned, the approach that they have been taught and exposed to in their pre-college years And then, finding that the issues were much more complicated, then the organized American Jewish community is willing to reveal.

I personally would urge any curious young person to see it for themselves, and not let the attacks on the film discourage them from seeing it.

Seeing Israel through the eyes of the disillusioned Jewish community was very insightful. I am guessing that the poor reviews are from the "pro-Israel" crowd. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn more about the heartbreaking history. I enjoyed hearing first-hand account from former IDF soldiers and Israelis on their birthright. I really felt sorry for these young Jewish people who felt indoctrinated and betrayed; they really look tortured as they learned the history of the occupation and creation of Israel. The scenes from the AIPAC conference were also quite shocking. The film flies by quickly, and I imagine it could have been much longer.

I loved this film. It wonderfully displayed the realization of events and helped me understand the perspective that one may have that differs from my own. No one was highlighted in a bad light it only showed true colors and I didn't come out disgusted by anyone if anything I'm more hopeful of how to advocate for change in a flaw system that the film so clearly explains. I also feel this film is the complete opposite of antisemitism and in fact shows the real threat that's out there that I didn't know is so clearly still at large. It highlights the beauty in inter faith inter culture relationships and encourages hope in humanity. Great film!

If you have an open mind to a broad range of views of the Jewish people (in particular young ones), I would recommend this film. It certainly made me thoughtful about the role propaganda plays in the selling of ANY nationalism (including our own) and how it can serve to hide what needs to be changed and history.

The film was made by young progressive American Jewish filmmakers - who are questioning and exploring the marketing of Israel that they experienced growing up (essentially a "Disneyfied" version).

It is not anti-Israel but rather thoughtful and questioning. How we should all be, even if all the answers are not known. Also, it has quite a broad cast of people interviewed. I am really glad always for young filmmakers and artists who push back and create.

This film is SO enlightening. As a Jew who grew up thinking Israel was salvation -- a paradise -- and a safe haven, you realize the adage "too good to be true" is a more of an acute reality of its existence.

Yes, Jews have persecuted for ages, but what right do we have to transfer that trauma to another population? We don't.

What's happening in Gaza is heart wrenching - knowing this film was made beforehand is also interesting.

If you're a Jew, please watch this film. You need to see what it's like "on the other side" of the fence. Especially because there's nothing left of it.

Israel has a dark history that it's trying to cover up and forget and it's giving all Jews a bad name.

If you've seen the documentary Jesus Camp, Israelism is almost its Jewish counterpart. If you are or were among the Hebrew school-going, youth group, Jewish summer camp and Birthright crowd, please, I implore you to watch this with an open mind.

I'm giving it 8 stars instead of 10 because I wish it added in a timeline of the history of what happened so viewers can digest it better. And it never addresses the development and plight of Hamas which I think is a huge miss.

Even still, incredibly important and extremely well done. Thank you for making this.