There is no shortage of opinions, emotions, and actions regarding finding “peace in the Middle East.” While some are familiar with the issue and others are personally impacted by the conflict, many more are unaware, uninformed, and unconcerned about this critical global issue. Little Town of Bethlehem is a groundbreaking new documentary that shares the gripping story of three men—a Palestinian Muslim, a Palestinian Christian, and an Israeli Jew—born into violence and willing to risk everything to bring an end to violence in their lifetime.
Filmed on location in the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, Little Town of Bethlehem brings awareness to a growing non-violent movement in the Middle East that rarely, if ever, makes international headlines.
Sami Awad is a Palestinian Christian whose grandfather was killed in Jerusalem in 1948. Today he is the executive director of Holy Land Trust, a non-profit organization that promotes Palestinian independence through peaceful means. Yonatan Shapira is an Israeli Jew whose grandparents were Zionist settlers who witnessed the birth of the Israeli nation. Today he is an outspoken advocate for the non-violent peace movement, both in his homeland and abroad. Ahmad Al' Azzah is a Palestinian Muslim who has lived his entire life in the Azzah refugee camp in Bethlehem. Today, Ahmad heads the non-violence program at Holy Land Trust, where he trains others in the methods of peaceful activism.
Little Town of Bethlehem honestly and respectfully shares Sami’s, Yonatan’s, and Ahmad’s stories. With all three men referencing both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi during individual interviews, it is clear that their words, thoughts, and actions on nonviolence are still profoundly impacting today’s nonviolent movement. The images of these three men standing firm in the face of overwhelming opposition are inspirational, but Little Town of Bethlehem is not just about inspiring viewers. The filmmakers also raise the question, “Can the cycle of violence be broken?”
My Review:
It was so amazing to view this DVD and see things from three different points of view from these men that are living in the midst of ongoing civil wars going on within their country for many years. Its sad to think that just a few of these groups want violence because they feel like that would further their own groups agenda however what really hit me from viewing this was how many people living in Bethlehem and Israel which that their issues could be resolved peacefully and without violence. It's even strange to see family members argue among one another to resolve the issues on the country peacefully. It just goes to show you that old habits are hard to change but it is possible.
I received this amazing and insightful DVD, Little Town of Bethlehem, produced by EGMfilms, from B & B Media Group for my honest review and think everyone should have an opportunity to view this. As we know the only time peace will be possible in the Middle East is when Jesus returns once more and settles it once and for all. I would rate this DVD a 4 out of 5 stars.
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Great review.
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