Watch Looking for Zion

Looking for Zion is a 2018 documentary directed by Tamara Erde. The film follows the journey of the director, who was born in Israel to Jewish parents, as she explores the notion of a homeland for the Jewish people. Erde embarks on a personal and emotional quest to try and understand the influence of Zionism on the identity of the Israeli people and on the Palestinian people who have been dispossessed of their land and rights in the process.

The documentary is a mix of archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections that give the viewer a deeper understanding of the complex and often controversial issue of Zionism. Erde's journey begins with her own family history and her childhood memories of growing up in Israel. She then travels to various locations in Israel and Palestine, speaking with Israelis, Palestinians, and other stakeholders, to get their viewpoints on the issue.

Erde's personal reflections reveal the complicated nature of her relationship with Zionism, and her attempt to explore the topic with an open mind makes for some thought-provoking insights. The interviews with various individuals in the film, ranging from activists to politicians, offer a diverse range of opinions on Zionism, and the film also highlights the different perspectives of Israeli and Palestinian citizens.

One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is its focus on the experiences of Palestinian people who have been displaced since the creation of the Israeli state in 1948. Through interviews and archive footage, the viewer is presented with a stark view of the daily lives of Palestinians living in the occupied territories, and the difficulties they face in terms of access to resources, movement, and civil rights.

The film also explores the connection between Zionism and Judaism, and the tension that exists between the two. Erde interviews rabbis and other Jewish religious figures to try and understand their perspective, as well as secular Israelis who are questioning the traditional narrative of Zionism. Through these conversations, the viewer is presented with a nuanced view of the complex relationship between Judaism, Zionism, and Israeli identity.

Overall, Looking for Zion is a thought-provoking and deeply personal documentary that offers a unique perspective on the complex and often divisive topic of Zionism. Erde's journey to understand her own identity and her relationship with Zionism is both heartfelt and honest, and her interviews with a range of individuals provide a diverse range of opinions and insights. This film is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and politics of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict or who wants to understand the complexities of Zionism and its impact on Jewish identity.

Looking for Zion is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.