Encounter Point: Turning Pain into Peace
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Directed by Ronit Avni and Juliet Bacha
Distributed by Just Vision
Israel, 2006
One of the harsh lessons of the Arab-Israeli conflict is that suffering does not necessarily ennoble the spirit. Palestinians endure the hardship of occupation, Israelis suffer the scourge of terrorism, both sides respond in kind. The cycle of violence continues. Yet a growing number of Israelis and Palestinians have decided to channel their anger, frustration, and sadness in more constructive ways. These individuals, many of whom have suffered profound personal losses, are the subject of an extraordinary new documentary entitled Encounter Point.
Directed by Ronit Avni and Julia Bacha (director and co-writer of the award-winning doc Control Room), Encounter Point traces the trajectory of eight Palestinians and Israelis who strive for reconciliation and coexistence in their societies. While differing in their views on the causes and solution to the conflict, all the subjects in the film are united by a determination to end the violence and the suffering that it engenders.
Encounter Point introduces us to Robi Damelin, an Israeli mother whose son was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002. The film follows Robi as she struggles with the Herculean task of grieving over her son, and fighting the very system that put him in harm’s way. "Sometimes I’m very angry with myself that I didn’t protect my child", Robi says, " So what do you do with this pain? Do you take it and look for revenge and keep the whole cycle of violence going, or do you choose another path to prevent further death and further pain to other parents."
Another key figure in Encounter Point is Ali Abu Awwad, a young Palestinian whose brother was shot dead by an Israeli solider at a checkpoint in 2001. Ali, who himself has been shot and imprisoned, is seen in the film traveling across the West Bank advocating a Gandhi-like solution to the conflict. "I could be considered a hero by my people given what I’ve been through", Ali tells us, "I could be spreading hate and that would be justified. But this is no longer a personal issue for me, it’s a collective one. "
Robi and Ali are joined in the film by other courageous voices for peace and reconciliation. These include Shlomo Zagman, a former Israeli settler who labors to live his life outside the physical, political, and psychological parameters of his former home; and Sami Al Jundi, a former militant Palestinian whose exposure to the writings of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela during ten years of incarceration led him to tirelessly work for peace-building projects.
Encounter Point invites us to enter the lives of these activists for a period of 16 months. We get a glimpse, intimate yet never voyeuristic, of the personal challenges that each faces: From consistently having their efforts criticized, to the price of being socially ostracized. "People are not free to say what they think", Ali laments, "any meeting with Israelis calling for non-violence is immediately labeled as "normalization." This refers to someone who sells his principles, who gives in to his enemies and killers."
Perhaps the most emotional scene in the film is when Robi learns that her son’s killer has been captured. Visibly shaken by the news, she nevertheless decides to write a letter to his family. In the letter, Robi states "After your son was captured I spent many sleepless night thinking about what to do. Should I ignore the whole thing, or will I be true to my integrity and to the work that I am doing, and try to find a way for closure and reconciliation? This is not easy for anyone, and I’m just an ordinary person and not a saint." We later learn that the killer’s family welcomed Robi’s letter, and that they are trying to find a way to meet.
While the film explores the multitude of ways in which its subjects strive for peace and reconciliation, its main focus is on the Bereaved Families Forum – an organization of 500 families, 250 Israeli and 250 Palestinian, who come together on a monthly basis to share stories and discuss a way out of the violent impasse that paralyzes their societies.
There is something unmistakably powerful about individuals who by any account have every right to be angry, hateful, and seek revenge, yet decide to turn their potent emotions into a power for peace. As one of the bereaved parents in the film put it, "If we who lost what is most precious can talk to each other, and look forward to a better future, then everyone else must do so, too."
In the end, Encounter Point serves as an answer to anyone who ever uttered the words "We don’t have anyone to talk to", or, "Peace is not in their culture." Far from being a feel good movie, Encounter Point still manages to disarm, humble, and inspire its viewers. This film is a must-see for anyone who cares about the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
Encounter Point is currently playing at selected theaters across the US, Israel, and the Occupied Territories. For more information please visit encounterpoint.com
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We are an international community of people of many faiths calling for social justice and political freedom in the context of new structures of work, caring communities, and democratic social and economic arrangements. We seek to influence public discourse in order to inspire compassion, generosity, non-violence and recognition of the spiritual dimensions of life.
Roi Ben Yehuda article
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
December 02, 2006 07:54
As an Israeli I am proud to read Roi's article, (his first and last name revels that he has Israeli roots) His well balance view and the excellent piece he wrote about the movie gives me hope that with movies such as this one and good journalism that coves them we have a chance one day to live in a different world. I would have not known about the movie or it’s important if not for this piece so thanks for letting me know about it.
Roi Ben-Yehuda Article
Posted by
Yakira
at
December 02, 2006 15:54
There are so few in this world that really think that Peace in the Middle East is even a possibility, so reading this article gives me great hope in a better future for us all. Roi Ben-Yehuda seems to see things in a human way, not Israeli or Palestinian, but simply human. His voice is to those that read, so few do these day's, so it's nice to know that a movie is out discussing such important topic's. Movies and Music, that is the way to get human youth to listen and learn, to change this world for the better of it's human inhabitants.
Ray of hope
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
December 02, 2006 22:59
Thank you for sharing all this with us. In these days when one can read only bad news, and horrifying articles in the local media, there is a great value for an article that can lead us to a source of humanist inspiration. For those who wish to keep their hope alive, and to cherish their optimistic spirit regardless of the sad circumstances, simple stories like this one are as a ray of living light.
Shye Ben-Tzur
Shye Ben-Tzur
Stay Human
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
December 02, 2006 23:46
After watching the film encounter point and reading this article, I realized how much work needs to be done in this world, coming from the middle east myself, I commend the people who turn their suffering into a mission of unity and positivity.
It is so great to remember through the words written here about the spirit and the determination of the people presented in the movie, I will see this movie again as this article shed so much light on how life can be with understanding and dialoge. Salaam.
It is so great to remember through the words written here about the spirit and the determination of the people presented in the movie, I will see this movie again as this article shed so much light on how life can be with understanding and dialoge. Salaam.
The decision to forgive or hate
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
December 04, 2006 19:19
Thank you, Roi, for sharing this with us. The decision point of translating a great loss and pain to either forgiveness and reconciliation or hatred and violence, is critical and has a great potential for intervention. Is the Middle East ready for the former rather than the latter, I don’t know. It is highly important, however, to educate the people in this region of the existence of such forgiveness and reconciliation power. That it’s something that really exists in us all. Articles as such, films as such and great forums such as the Bereaved Families Forum – tremendously serve this sacred goal. Thank you!
Redeeming a Tragic Loss
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
March 18, 2007 18:16
My heart goes out to the families mourning the loss of a loved one. The madness does NOT have to continue. This movie shows it is possible to work for the end of violence even in the midst of unimaginable pain, a loving tribute to lives ended much too soon.
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