My So-Called Enemy

For seven years, director Lisa Gossels followed six Israeli and Palestinian teenage girls who met at the Building Bridges for Peace camp in 2002. During this 10-day event, campers participate in group sessions where they air grievances and attempt to find common ground. It's easier for some than others, such as Hanin, a Palestinian Muslim who wants all of the Jews out of Israel, and has no sympathy for Gal, an Iranian-Israeli Jew (Hanin thinks her family should return to Iran). To make matters worse, the camp takes place in the wake of the Second Intifada, but camp founder Melodye Feldman believes young women have the potential to make a difference. After 15 months, Gossels catches up with the girls and their families, shedding light on their evolving perspectives. Gal and Adi, who serve two years in the Israeli army, worry that military service will hinder their relationships—and it does indeed put a strain on Gal's friendship with Rezan, a Christian from East Jerusalem. Hanin, meanwhile, turns more religious, and starts to wear the hijab, while Rawan gets a degree in education and Inas moves to the States. As the film ends, the wall between the West Bank and Gaza looms higher than ever, but the women do seem to have learned from their encounters with each other (end credits reveal that all six are working towards careers in education, politics, and journalism). An inspiring film that maintains hope for better Israeli-Palestinian relations, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)