The mainstream media does a poor job of showing conditions inside occupied Palestinian territory, made harder by the Israeli State's relentless efforts to repress the reality of what is going on, which makes it hard to even get into places like Gaza and the West Bank.
Journalists and photographers risk harassment or worse at the hands of both the Israeli Defense Force or Palestinian militants. The West Bank is annually considered one of the worst places in the world for journalists to operate by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Despite all this, a remarkable new movie about the Israeli Occupation has surfaced, called Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority (click here for website)
Here is what the website synopsis says about this award-winning documentary:
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -- 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.
The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets.
The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880's, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.
Featured Interviews
Occupation 101 features a leading list of some of the most credible Middle East scholars, historians, peace activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers. For a complete listing, please click here.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not be resolved until the core issues and problems are dealt with and the real plight of the Palestinians is known. This film is a major step in enhancing the world's understanding.
Here is a short film clip from Occupation 101 to give you a quick glimpse of conditions inside a refugee zone inside Gaza. It is entitled "Gaza's Reality". I ask you, could you live in a place like this, day after day, week after week, year after year and maintain your health or sanity?
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