Ep 4. Forbidden Love in Israel

In Hate Thy Neighbour season 1 episode 4, titled "Forbidden Love in Israel," host Jamali Maddix travels to Israel to investigate the complex and often contentious relationships between Jews, Arabs, and Palestinians. Specifically, the episode focuses on the issue of interfaith relationships and marriages, which are illegal in Israel due to laws preventing Jews from marrying non-Jews.

Maddix begins his exploration in Tel Aviv, where he meets with a group of Jewish and Arab activists who are working together to challenge the law banning interfaith marriage. He also speaks with a Palestinian man who is married to a Jewish woman and faces discrimination and hatred from both Jewish and Palestinian communities. Maddix learns about the complexities of navigating love and romance in a society where cultural and political differences can strain even the most loving relationships.

As Maddix delves deeper into the issue, he travels to the West Bank to meet with Palestinian families who have lost loved ones as a result of interfaith relationships. He hears stories of honor killings and violence, and witnesses the tensions between Jewish settlers and Palestinian residents of the area. Maddix also spends time with a group of Jewish settlers who are staunchly opposed to interfaith relationships and see them as a threat to their way of life.

Throughout "Forbidden Love in Israel," Maddix provides a nuanced and empathetic view of the various perspectives involved in this complicated issue. He seeks to understand the motivations and experiences of all those he meets, and the result is a thought-provoking and informative look at the complex social and political dynamics in Israel.

Overall, "Forbidden Love in Israel" is a powerful and timely episode of Hate Thy Neighbour, delving into an issue that is deeply affecting the lives of many people in Israel and beyond. Maddix's unique perspective and engaging style make for a compelling viewing experience, as he navigates the fraught terrain of interfaith relationships in a society where love can be seen as a political act.