The Settlers

Filmmaker Shimon Dotan's disturbing documentary about the expansion of Jewish settlements into Palestinian territory since the founding of Israel touches upon core attitudes as well as history, with revelations that are often disconcerting. The film looks at one kind of settler mentality, adopted by Israelis who see no reason to doubt or compromise the idea that the whole of the land is their own (given to them by God). If some Arab guests happen already to be on it, they are in no way legitimately equal—regardless of how many generations of their families have tended the olive groves. Israel's history has played into this way of thinking through wars and clashes that resulted in more physical territory being understandably claimed by Jews for security reasons and then used to build new settlements. But there are questions regarding when security crosses over into apartheid, and whether extremist settlers are not simply endangering any opportunity for the nation's long-term internal peace because of such one-sided convictions. And The Settlers notes that there are sometimes more venal reasons for settling: at least one settler is honest about the great real-estate deal he made moving onto new settlement space. Along the way, the film incorporates historical footage tied to terrorism, the Clinton-era Oslo Accord, and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassination, but the greatest impact here comes from interviews with younger settlers—people who have no qualms about disenfranchising Palestinians. A timely documentary that is sure to spur heated discussion, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)