Defamation

Israeli filmmaker Yoav Shamir travels to various places interviewing people across the spectrum of opinion as he attempts to understand modern anti-Semitism and to address challenging questions, such as whether discrimination is actually increasing or whether it is being used for right-wing Zionist political purposes and manipulation. In Israel, Shamir follows a group of Jewish schoolchildren to Yad Vashem—the state Holocaust museum—while in New York, he visits the Manhattan headquarters of the Anti-Defamation League and goes to Brooklyn to investigate the stoning of a Jewish school bus by black kids. Eventually, Shamir gets around to the surprisingly contentious debate among Jews and others over a modern definition of anti-Semitism and whether it has been broadened to encompass any criticism of Israel—particularly in regard to the question of settlements and other human rights issues—and the subsequent impact on U.S. and Israeli policy decisions. Near the film's conclusion, Shamir accompanies Jewish students as they visit death camps in Poland; at first lighthearted, the young people are stunned and confused when they confront the remnants of a stark and murderous prejudice. While not embracing what one scholar calls the “pathological narcissism” over modern concerns about anti-Semitism, Shamir suggests that we all “live in the present, look to the future.” Although it could be better organized, this provocative and controversial film is sure to spark debate. DVD extras include bonus scenes, a filmmaker statement, and text bios. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)