My Terrorist

Over 25 years ago, Israeli filmmaker Yulie Gerstel, then an El Al flight attendant, was slightly wounded in a terrorist attack in London that left two El Al employees dead and several others wounded. The following year shrapnel extracted from Gerstel's arm was used as evidence at the trial of one of the terrorists, Fahad Mihyi, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who was subsequently sentenced to four consecutive life terms in a British prison. In this thoughtful, nuanced film, Gerstel traces her efforts to establish communication with Mihyi and to stand up as a voice for reconciliation by recommending Mihyi's release from prison amidst the seemingly intractable cycle of revenge between Israelis and Palestinians. Tirelessly pursuing her goal, Gerstel writes letters to Mihyi, presents her views (often hostilely received) at peace rallies, visits Mihyi in prison, and struggles to deliver a message of forgiveness sadly out of step with her countrymen as terrorist attacks escalate in 2000 and beyond. Using a direct-to-camera video diary approach, Gerstel's sincerity as she grapples with her changing emotions is particularly resonant after the 9/11 attacks, as well as when she engages in discussion with an inconsolable mother whose daughter was killed by a terrorist years earlier. Gerstel's indefatigable trust in dialogue--in listening to others and questioning her own views--coupled with her unwillingness to shy away from an extremely difficult and politically charged topic makes for a distinctive and intellectually satisfying approach to the subject of terrorism. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)