Alwayswriteagain: How Tiny Israel Triumphs Over Huge Adversity

Monday 23 January 2012

How Tiny Israel Triumphs Over Huge Adversity

First there was Paul Newman in Exodus, then there was Kirk Douglas in Cast A Giant Shadow. Next came one helluva gap before Spielberg made Munich.

But now, to celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday comes Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference - a 55-minute feature length documentary examining an Israel bare of war and politics.

The film makers claim it ”sidesteps the usual conversation of politics, conflict and violence, and tells the story of the Israeli people – whose resilience has propelled Israel to the forefront of world innovation and progress."

“Despite daily challenges ranging from limited resources to security needs, Israeli creativity and inventiveness help make the world a better place; Israel has made significant advancements in the fields of science, environment, medicine and technology, and has shared these developments with the rest of the world.

“How did this happen? What underlying growth factors have given rise to this small nation’s triumph over adversity?

“The film is presented by Harvard University’s Dr. Tal Ben Shahar who explores the core character strengths – called ‘actualizers’ – that enable Israelis to succeed against incredible odds. Through Tal’s eyes we explore the deep-seated values such as education, family and responsibility to the world (a Jewish concept known as tikkun olam), which directly contribute to Israel’s accomplishments in the economic, technological and humanitarian spheres. And while none of these ‘actualizers are unique to Israel, combined they produce an almost unparalleled progress, success and contribution to the world.

“Israel Inside features interviews with leading entrepreneurs, academics, and politicians including Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, U.K. Chief Rabbi Jonathan Lord Sacks, Sir Martin Gilbert, Professors Alan Dershowitz and Jacob Frankel, Tamar Jehuda-Cohen, and Shai Agassi.”

Israel Inside was produced by Rabbis Raphael Shore and Richard Green and was made in conjunction with Jerusalem Online University. Shore is the founder of Jerusalem Online and has produced two other films, Iranium and Obsession.

Now you’ve read the blurb - watch the trailer. I hope that everyone, whether in the Diaspora or Israel itself can celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) this year by watching the real Israel Inside.