The subject of the film version of the unique one-man show "Wrestling Jerusalem" of writer-actor Aaron Davidman makes the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Symphony Space the ideal place for the September 12, 2017 New York premiere of this movie. This production, which runs in New York through September 17 ahead of a larger rollout, having 17 characters whom Davidman brings to life offer perspectives on the seemingly eternal Israeli-Palestinian conflict make good use of a venue named for a Jewish actor associated with a franchise that is well known for tackling tough social issues and equally challenging moral dilemmas; Davidman truly boldly goes where no man has gone before.
The following theatrical trailer for "Jerusalem" demonstrates the scope and quality of the film; the passion of Davidman is equally clear and infectious.
Davidman channeling the literal and inner voices of Jews and Arabs, young and old, male and female, etc. alone is exceptional; recognizing that there is your side, the view of the other guy, and the truth is award worthy. A related concept is that propaganda that supports your position still is propaganda.
On a more general level, "Jerusalem" includes a primer on Jewish culture and prayers. This is particularly relevant to one whose response to a sign in a synagogue that prohibited opening the door when the ark was open was to ask if faces would melt.
Davidman shifts the action between stage, dressing room, and a desert setting that presumably is in Israel. An early scene in which he is on stage and begins his monologue with "A rabbi walks into a bar ..." is a rare moment of humor in this highly digestible fast-paced and insightful film.
This film by an obviously Jewish man surprisingly portrays several instances of heavy-handed tactics by the Israeli military that include daily harassment of a man who simply needs to commute back-and-forth from the West Bank to work. On the other hand, Davidman criticizes the Palestinians for not taking a deal that he describes as the best that they can expect.
On a more neutral note, Davidman notes that the Israeli military provides advance notice of bombings that have potential for civilian casualties. This reflects the acknowledged sad fact that some targets that must be taken out often are near things such as schools and hospitals.
Davidman additionally has several literal man in the mirror arguments with himself in which he debates both sides. This reflects (pun intended) the mixed feelings of many people. Jewish people have an understandable desire for a homeland in the face of centuries of other groups not treating them so well; at the same time, one can understand the Palestinians wanting what they consider to be their fair share of the region and recognition of their rights.
Davidman earnestly putting several human faces on the conflict further moves things from the abstract to the concrete. Hearing the thoughts of the only Jewish person on a bus going to the West Bank or the story of a young boy who is a victim of the conflict achieves the goal of enhancing the desire of the audience for a sustainable peace.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Jerusalem" is encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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