Watch Jerusalem - At Peace or In Pieces?

Jerusalem - At Peace or In Pieces? is a 2015 documentary film that sheds light on the conflict between Jews and Palestinian Arabs over the city of Jerusalem. The film attempts to provide a balanced perspective on the issue by presenting the viewpoints and experiences of both sides. The movie is directed by Danae Elon, an Israeli filmmaker, and follows her personal journey as she explores the complex history and current state of affairs in Jerusalem. Elon's perspective is unique, as she is the daughter of an Israeli politician who was instrumental in the developments of Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.

The film begins with a beautiful aerial shot of Jerusalem, highlighting its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. But as the movie unfolds, it becomes clear that this city, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, is also one of the most contested territories in the world.

Through interviews with locals, religious leaders, politicians, and scholars, the movie presents a range of perspectives on the conflict. The film's strength lies in its ability to showcase the experiences and emotions of people on both sides of the divide.

For Israelis, Jerusalem is not just the capital of the state, but also a symbol of Jewish sovereignty and historical continuity. Many of them believe that the city should remain under Israeli control and that any attempt to cede parts of it to Palestine would be a betrayal of their national identity. Some of the interviewees express their fear of losing their homes and being displaced in case a peace agreement is reached.

On the other hand, Palestinian Arabs have long seen Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. They argue that Jerusalem is a holy city for Muslims, and that their rights to the city have been suppressed by Israeli occupation. Many of the interviewees express their frustration at being subjected to discrimination and violence, and their hope for a more just and equitable future.

The film also touches upon the impact of the conflict on the daily lives of Jerusalemites. The city is divided by physical barriers, checkpoints, and walls, making it difficult for people to move around or access basic services. Schoolchildren have to pass through metal detectors to get to class, and residents of some neighborhoods are routinely subjected to house searches and arrests.

Throughout the movie, Elon tries to find common ground between the two sides. She visits a joint Israeli-Palestinian school that teaches both Hebrew and Arabic, and interviews activists who are working towards promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Elon also engages with her own family members, some of whom hold more hardline positions on the conflict than others.

One of the strengths of the film is its ability to capture the beauty and diversity of Jerusalem's people and culture. There are scenes of Jewish and Muslim prayers, markets and festivals, and breathtaking views of the city's landmarks. The film also showcases the resilience and creativity of ordinary people who are working towards a peaceful coexistence despite the challenges they face.

The movie ends on a note of cautious optimism, as it highlights several attempts at peacebuilding that are taking place in the city. However, the film does not shy away from the difficulties and complexities of achieving a lasting solution to the conflict. It is clear that there are no easy answers, and that much work remains to be done before Jerusalem can truly be at peace.

Overall, Jerusalem - At Peace or In Pieces? is a thought-provoking and informative film that offers a nuanced and humanistic perspective on one of the most challenging conflicts of our time. Anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the struggle over Jerusalem will find this movie to be a valuable resource.