Occupation 101

Occupation 101 is a compelling and evocative documentary film that was released in 2006. This influential movie features appearances by various esteemed personalities including James Akins, a former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Arik Ascherman, a renowned American-Israeli reform rabbi and human rights activist, and Bishop Riah Hanna Abu El-Assal, also known as Bishop Bartlett Jr., a distinguished Palestinian Anglican bishop in Jerusalem.

This thought-provoking documentary is expertly crafted by the filmmakers Sufyan and Abdallah Omeish. It delves deep into the causes and realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in an effort to shed light on the long-standing, volatile situation in the Middle East. More specifically, Occupation 101 discusses the geographical, religious, and political aspects of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. It places a significant focus on the period post-1967, which saw dramatic changes in the landscape and the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

The title, 'Occupation 101,' symbolizes an introductory course, serving as an invitation for the audience to begin understanding the complex and emotionally charged events unfolding in the Israeli-Palestinian region. This documentary does a remarkable job of recounting the history of the conflict, not through a single perspective, but by incorporating manifold views and narratives encompassing the insights of scholars, peace activists, politicians, human rights lawyers, and religious leaders.

Augmented by the notably poignant and powerful narratives by James Akins, Arik Ascherman, and Bishop Bartlett Jr., the documentary transports the viewers straight to the heart of the matter by chronicling the difficulties and daily struggles faced by the Palestinian people under occupation. The impressive lineup of narrators adds credence to the documentary, but the filmmakers also ensure that they maintain a balanced perspective throughout the narrative.

Occupation 101 isn't merely an observational record of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it also seeks to educate and inform the viewers about the United States' role in the matter. The film raises salient questions about the significant financial, military, and diplomatic support provided by the U.S. to Israel every year. The documentary respectfully and articulately challenges its viewers to examine the circumstances critically, thus providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and comprehension.

The film's raw accounts and intense footage bring to light the suffering, anguish, and extermination of human rights, thereby creating empathy in the viewer's mind towards the disenfranchised group of people. It exposes the reality of frequent checkpoints, walls dividing communities, land encroachment, imposed curfews, and disproportionate military force, all of which have become a part of the everyday lives of the Palestinians.

However, Occupation 101 goes beyond merely showcasing the realities of the contentious region; it extends its narrative to include significant attempts made towards peace. It provides an insightful perspective on the peace negotiations and agreements, highlighting the convolutions and complexities involved in the process while starkly addressing the incongruence between peace talks and continued occupation and settlement expansion.

The documentary concludes with uplifting messages of unity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, underscoring the universal desire for peace and harmony. It propounds the fact that the primary victims of the conflict are the ordinary Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and not the political entities.

In sum, Occupation 101 is a riveting documentary that provides a thought-provoking, balanced, and comprehensive introduction to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It avoids choosing sides and instead presents facts and narratives that would allow viewers to form their own understanding and opinions about the intricacies of the problem. It's not just a movie, but a lesson in history, politics, and humanity. This film provides a much-needed platform for informed dialogue and constructive engagement on a pressing global issue. With narratives from prominent figures like James Akins, Arik Ascherman, and Bishop Bartlett Jr., this documentary becomes a must-watch for those keen on understanding the Israeli-Palestinian dynamics more deeply.