Film Screening

Two national organizations came together to host a benefit evening on “Conflicting Loyalties” to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Disengagement. On Sunday, August 7^th 2011, Beineinu, a division of the International Young Israel Movement, and JobKatif, screened “HaMavdil”, a short film created by Maale Film School graduate Zvi Yehuda Herling, and used the film’s plot as a springboard for discussion in small groups.

Aimed at young professionals ages 25-38, the evening took place at the Maale Film School in Jerusalem with the participation of the film director.

“HaMavdil” tells the story of “Koby” a soldier serving in the army when his parents receive an evacuation notice to leave their home in the Shomron. Koby’s loyalties are conflicted between his family and the military.

“We used film as a medium to address challenging issues that occur within a family dynamic,” said Micki Lavin –Pell, director of the Beinenu division of IYIM. “Periods of national conflict frequently affect personal family dynamics, and we saw this as an appropriate and creative tribute to the sixth anniversary of the Disengagement.”

JobKatif director, Judy Lowy said, “JobKatif’s success thus far in helping the families from Gush Katif and Northern Shomron re-enter the workforce is based on holistic approaches because we see the far-reaching implications of the Disengagement, and how they’ve affected entire families. The film chosen for this benefit evening really portrays the dilemma of each family member. More people need to be aware of the personal side to this period in Israel’s history.”

The evening featured a “behind the scenes” discussion with Herling, the film director, and small discussion groups facilitated by grassroots community leaders.

The event took place at the Maale Film School in Jerusalem.

Proceeds of this event will assist displaced families of Gush Katif and Northern Samaria re-enter the workforce to provide for their families.