Jerusalem life & travel guide

Michael Yohay's film "The Case For Israel: Democracy's Outpost" had its world premiere at the 24th Annual Haifa Film Festival this month. The documentary aims to clarify deeply entrenched misconceptions about Israel and to highlight Israel's true commitment to peace.

"The Case for Israel" focuses on lawyer and professor Alan Dershowitz, who was a major advisor for the defense team in the criminal trial of O.J. Simpson and is one of the most popular (or unpopular) commentators on the Arab-Israeli Conflict. The film consists of Dershowitz having open discussions with a variety of sources from eminent Middle East envoys to former Prime Ministers of Israel, such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak. 

Dershowitz's presents a proactive defense of Israel by responding strongly to criticisms of Israel. He addresses a range of issues including the United Nations' disproportionate condemnation of Israel on the grounds that it violates human rights. He queries why the UN is more focused on Israel and not on countries like China, Sudan and North Korea, where human rights issues are also prevalent.

The film concentrates the decisions Israel must make to tackle the grey areas of conflict. If Israel preempts or builds barriers for protection, it is considered a Goliath.  Yet if it sits idly by, its civilians may have rockets landing in their back yard.  If threatened, why does Israel not have a right to defend itself?

Yohay's critics may view his film as propaganda, given that in his exploration of the subject matter, he does not show discussions with anti-Israel scholars and provides limited attention to the plight of the Palestinian people. Yet, "The Case For Israel", is Yohay's attempt to counteract the multitude of one-sided attacks made against Israel through the media and to convey the message that Israel has a true commitment to peace.

Daniel A. Swibel.