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This comment area is closed to new submissions. Visit ITVS.org to continue the conversation about this film.
07/22/2008
Demetrius
California
Thank you for sharing such a moving story. I have a small family and we are not close. I saw a strong positive force in the way that you expressed, in the way that you listened , and in the way that you loved with great intensity. For one moment i imagined i was part of the family. The brother that is an actor are any of his works available as well as the brother who is an artist and musician? Thank you again i will remember this piece for a long time to come.
06/28/2004
Mir
Los Angeles, CA
I watched your film last night about the Fisher family. The story about the twin sister that disappeared is extremely sad. Why did they wait so long do find out ? Is the family going to pursue their search for the missing twin sister. I lived in Israel as a teenager and spent part of the 1951 summer in Safed recuperating from pleuresy. On one of my dailly walks I met a distressed mother looking for her child who had been taken away from her to be put in a hospital. Not far away there was a hospital for children, I went in with her to help her with her Hebrew since she was an immigrant( yemenite if my memory is correct). The staff searched for that name and they did not find her. The mother was so devastated. Why did they remove children from homes and did not let the parents know where they were ? Was this another case of a baby taken away. What a shame !
04/15/2004
Berlin, NH
I too have a missing sibling and appreciate the responses that David's brothers and sister gave. Even those who were once for seeking our lost brother have now decided to not stir up any trouble. I thank you for such a wonderful program. I am not a movie critic, by any stretch of the mind, but I do know what a good movie does and David Fisher does it. David has done an exellent job. He moved me to tears, frustration, anger,etc. I became part of the Fisher family for a short time. As one other person stated, thank you for showing us that we are even all more the same, than we think. Thank you for taking us out of our little postage stamp lives and broading our horizans.
04/14/2004
amy
i would like take a risk investing in a new film by the same director. superb work!!
4/12/07
NAGY MOUSSA
I LOVE THE WAY YOU DEFEND YOUR PEOPLE ...I AM A MUSLEM MAN I FIND NO ONE DEFEND ME FROM HATE SHOW LIKE O RALLY & HANNITY & COLMES ..HOW CAN WE FIND SOME ONE LIKE YOU TO STAND UP AND TEL FOX STOP HATE
6/28/04
Mir
Los Angeles, CA
I watched your film last night about the Fisher family. The story about the twin sister that disappeared is extremely sad. Why did they wait so long do find out ? Is the family going to pursue their search for the missing twin sister. I lived in Israel as a teenager and spent part of the 1951 summer in Safed recuperating from pleuresy. On one of my dailly walks I met a distressed mother looking for her child who had been taken away from her to be put in a hospital. Not far away there was a hospital for children, I went in with her to help her with her Hebrew since she was an immigrant( yemenite if my memory is correct). The staff searched for that name and they did not find her. The mother was so devastated.
Why did they remove children from homes and did not let the parents know where they were ? Was this another case of a baby taken away. What a shame!
6/28/04
Hello,
I caught the film while it aired on PBS in California. It was late, I was already in bed, and the film was already in progress. However, the first part I saw was of the brothers looking for the missing twin. This made me jump off my bed!
36 years ago my mother had twins, a boy and a girl. Both were born alive in Yaffo, but somehow, a day or two later, the nurse/doctor told my mom that the girl died... As far as I know, they did not show her the baby, there is no grave, and for all these years, my mom refuses to believe the hospital story and insists that the girl is alive.
It upsets my father when my mother brings up the subject. When my sister and I talk about it, it raises moral issues with us. For example: if she is alive and we find her, what effect is it going to have on her life? Could she handle it? How upsetting would it be to her family? What right do I have to "ruin" someones life? What effect is it going to have on my brother (the twin) and his family? Could he take it? On the other hand, what right do I have to let my mom live in misery, always thinking about the twin daughter that they took from her?
David, you are now an expert on the subject. PLEASE tell me what to do and where to go to find out the truth. PLEASE include names, addresses, and phone numbers. I await your response. THANK YOU!!!
P.S. Have you received many comments about missing twins in Israel? Where all of them born in Tel Aviv county? In what years did they disappear? I have many more questions... PLEASE CONTACT ME.
6/28/04
Sally Maman
Los Angeles, California
The entire dynamic of the Fisher Family I found to be extremely interesting. Every member had a different view on why they wanted or did not want to find out the truth about the missing sister. The uncovering of a painful past, digging up this past, etc.
My parents are also Holocaust Survivors and there is a lot of baggage that goes with that. Yes, there are secrets and discovering what they are uncovers a truth that helps us free ourselves from the past.
Some of the Fisher Family were better equipped for life's difficulties where others kept going forward without examining their own lives, feelings, thoughts more. A survival technique, I suppose, but it does catch up with you one day, it can't be denied.
I loved "Love Inventory". I look forward to more of what David Fisher will uncover about his family and their past.
Thank you!
6/28/04
Isabelle
Los Angeles, CA
Yes, Love Inventory is a repository of memories and yearnings shared by four siblings whose relationship is held together with David's love and attention.
The search for elucidation of apparent family secrets may take on obsessive qualities. The death of a parent or other significant event may set the quest in motion. Throughout the steps in the search, dealing with the bureaucracy is frustrating (not only in Israel), but the emotional impact of the discovery process is catharctic. It brings the siblings even closer.
David witnesses moments of hightened sensitivity in himself and his siblings artfully recorded in his film.
Perhaps the missing sister left Israel and has therefore not been located. The composite of her likeness was only published in Israeli papers, wasn't it?
6/28/04
It was a riveting work, and I'm glad I found this treasure while flipping channels. I'm sorry I missed the beginning.
I really didn't see sibling rivalry between the siblings; I saw mature interactions between everyday people, with a lot of respect and acceptance (and love) despite vast differences. As with David and his brother Amnon.
For those viewers who don't understand Hebrew, you may be interested in knowing that Ronel has a fairly pronounced speech impediment, akin to a stutter, which may or may not be the result of the family dynamics.
When David's wife says their close-knitedness is immodest, I wonder if she chose the wrong word; perhaps she meant there was lack of privacy. She sounds as though Hebrew is not her first language, and perhaps was translating from another language, a word with not quite the right shade of meaning.
Wonderful work. Thank you so much.
6/28/04
Santa Barbara, CA
You pose interesting questions, though I did get online to find out if the sister was ever found. How many girls were born in Israel in 1952?
As the oldest child of a big family, I know that much of my identity comes from that role. I found the sister's remarks about her mother especially touching as my birth followed an infant who died at 3 months. My mother told me once that the "baby died because I loved him too much, more than God, so God took him from me." A sad comment in so many ways.
My family argues and hurts and helps and stands by each other like the Fishers do. I found the film affirming and interesting.
6/28/04
Coby Clark
Bakersfield California
After watching the film while flipping threw channels I was intrigued. So I read the comments that have been said. And it seems that so many people relate to this film in so many different ways. I personally relate to the brother, the one who played the guitar. Not the sadness of his heart at times but the deepness in his soul. I love this family for how they treat eachother, with so much love. I have many brothers and I am the one they all worry about. But there closeness is the closeness that keeps me alive sometimes. I never thought being so young at 20 I would get so much out of a documentary.
6/7/04
Tom Santoni
Hastings, FL
I loved the film but despised the PBS trailer hype.
The "secret" that the siblings had a sister didn't "change their lives", the process by which they bonded to find out more about their sister changed their lives.
Which begs the questions; did they ever find the sister? Did the family enlist the help of the State to find out why the hospital document was altered? Or, did they decide to drop the whole matter unresolved?
The film held up on its own but left unsettling and frustrating questions unanswered. I felt it would have been better with closure on the missing sister question.
5/20/04
Coleen Lyons Burris
Glendale Heights IL
I applaud the family for seeking the truth about their family history,for celebrating the lives,and mourning the deaths, of their unknown siblings, and for the close relationships they have with one another.
I have four brothers, and I am the only sister. I loved the intense emotions and support they have for each other. I think it is positive.
I think relationships with your siblings is so personal and only you can understand what you all went through growing up.
I liked this film very much, I Loved the song about the siblings parents, (the song the youngest brother wrote.) It is beautiful.
5/6/04
Have just seen Love Inventory - It was a remarkable look into the family's lives. Remember that 1951 or 52, and earlier times, parents didn't talk about children who had died, even in infancy. It was a sad fact of life, to be mourned in silence. I missed the first 15 minutes of the film so did not understand how the quest began. I'd really like to know. Finding out the details of the death of a sibling after parents are gone is very necessary for closure and to finally feelinclusion of that sibling as part of the family.
At the end of the program, the announcer said to look at PBS.org to find out more - was the sister ever found? The film is dated 2003.
5/3/04
T. Russell
Arizona
The title of the show "Independant Lens" caught my attention, because my son wants to do just that. Become a film maker. I stayed up late to watch. Then found out that it was subtitles! Even on a normal day I would not have bothered with sub titles, but this day was just one week after undergoing extensive eye surgery! My vision is still very poor and it is painful to strain it. But once I started to read I could not let go. It was so interesting. I loved it. However, I felt let down by the ending. What happened? Did they find her? Are they still looking? Do they want to stop looking? How can I find the answers to these questions? Thank you.
T. Russell
5/3/04
I have a Lebanese brother-in-law from the same generation as this family, about the same sized family, all brothers. I was struck by the similarity of intensity about the family as he has. Intense connection, intense ambivilance. And it is striking how the trauma of the parents is carried by the children, in both the Fisher family and my brother-in-law's family. These are families under the enormous strain of history. So many wounds that can't seem to heal.
5/3/04
Teresa Lewandowski
Boise, Idaho
I feel this is a very sad and touching story. To have lived thru the Holocoust and given birth to twins and then to be told that one has passed and then have the other pass shortly thereafter, is tragic, especially when we know they are having to deal with the real crux of the matter, is one child still alive after all and what has happened to her? The cover up at the hospital and the implications are enormous!
5/3/04
R.Soto
Rocherster, New York
I truely enjoyed the film. I was hoping that some more information would have arrised in finding the missing sister. I do believe that family secrets should not remain secret. There are so many things that we learn from our ancestry. Why should we not be able to find out more about ou family. It is with in ones right. Thank you again for such a delight!
5/3/04
Maggie
I just finished watching the film. I was so wrapped in the story, I found it interesting to see the many facets of the family, and life in their county. I felt for the siblings as they looked for their sister. Now, I find myself wondering IF they ever found her??
5/3/04
Guru-Hukam Khalsa
Espanola, NM
Great. I also was drawn in to this family's journey.
One thing that wasn't acknowledged in the credits - the one song that was sung several times (with the line: "son of ... & ...")- the music is, note for note, from the British band Radiohead's song 'Creep', from their 1st album, 'Pablo Honey'
5/3/04
Leigh Hardin
San Antonio, Texas
I was entranced. Watching David Fisher's film, "Love Inventory", was like watching part of a beautiful tapestry being woven. Please let me know the current status of his search for his missing sister. I truly hope to see more autobiographical films by Mr. Fisher in the future.
5/3/04
FINALLY! a documentary on PBS that showed the kind of real Israelis I know. The film was poignant and wonderful! Thank you, PBS, for airing Love Inventory. Thank you, David Fisher, for your beautiful story.
5/3/04
Jenny O.
San Francisco, CA
What a fantastic film! Not since "Wedding in Ramallah" have I been so captivated by a film. I will be thinking about this one for a while. Please keep showing such great work.
5/3/04
Kathy Allen
Dearborn Michigan
I fell asleep towards the end! Was there a twin sister and did they find her? It was a wonderful program - I was so mad that I fell asleep.
4/27/04
Charlotte
Santee, CA
A very compelling documentary.
After discovering the fact that there was indeed a twin sister to Sammy Fisher, I am wondering if there is litigation pending against the hospital where the twins were born.
Thank you for allowing the general public into the very private quest of the Fisher family.
4/20/04
Jessica
Chicago, IL
This piece has such an immeasurable force of true beauty, human love, and spirit. I rejoiced in this work.
I would love to know more about the music of the brother with the guitar, for those moments of song and family were so penetrating.
Thank you for your sacrifices in making such artful work for us to "be with."
All the best to the family...
Jessica
4/20/04
Cate Innes
Nova Scotia, Canada
Kudos to Mr. Fisher and his family for having the courage to share their honesty with the rest of us, especially since, in my experience at least, honesty is the most difficult aspect of human relationships, particularly amongst family members. As kismet would have it, Canada commemorated it's first national 'Holocaust Day' according to the public radio stn. here, and later I listened to a program that involved writers discussing their thoughts on 'memory and place'. One of the participants was a man named Martin Doerry, from Hamburg Germany, who has published a collection of his grandmothers letters which she wrote (somehow) enroute to her demise in Auschwitz, the book is called 'My Wounded Heart'. I mention these things for a couple of reasons;firstly Mr. Doerry's upbringing sounds identical to that of the Fisher's (and other folks who have added their comments here) in that the family history was not only not talked about but forbidden to be acknowledged at all, and it wasn't until the last of the senior members died and the letters came to light that the Doerry siblings gave themselves permission to tackle this long repressed subject. Secondly, I've been of a mind to explore family connections in a stressful context lately because of the impending demise of one of our senior family members. Despite the fact that I hail from an unremarkable W.A.S.P. upbringing, the lack of communication and or fear of it, is the standard that we are all expected to carry as is the case in most families I suspect. Despite all I've read and watched and listened to about the Holocaust my own sense of humanity still goes into a tailspin at the incomprehensibilty of those events and the magnitude of suffering and impact the survivors were/are supposed to live with. That's why I don't find it surprising that the Fishers' parents seemingly didn't chase down or clarify what happened to their sister, I can't imagine having anything left to take on the next bureaucratic hell after having been through the absolute worst dehumanizing experiences our species has ever attempted to survive.I find it surprising that the term'sibling rivalry' was suggested in this context as I didn't get the impression that it fit the Fishers , (I looked it up to confirm my own understanding of its application;natural hostility and competition among siblings is the definition according to my reference materials), I got the sense that the Fishers are locked in that time honoured struggle of trying to maintain one's own identity whilst being loyal to and belonging to one's family. Like it or not our identity is inextricably connected to our families and like it or not the Fisher family is inextricably connected to the German attempt to reclaim their identity at the expense of all families. Finally, like all of my fellow comment writers, I too was curious about the search results and hoped for the "closure" of a happily ever after ending, but if ever there were real life circumstances in which "closure" doesn't apply, this would be it. Didn't mean to write a book here but I guess it goes without saying I found the film provocative.Thanks for the always amazing programing PBS.
4/20/04
I would like to know how this family will resolve the issues surrounding their missing sister and the apparent cover up.
In response to the first question,I believe revealing family secrets promotes healing and growth.Of course some of the family dynamics will change, but this is the nature of life,changes and challenges.
Sibiling rivalry is a negative force that can cause serious damage in familial relationships if allowed to escalate.
I think this it is an unrealistic notion because when David took a wife, and had children by her, she then became part of that "blood tie". Doing otherwise would be contradictory to this belief.
4/20/04
Albuquerque, NM
This family is a great reminder of what it means to be part of a family. Amnon's music is wonderful, does he have a CD out?
4/20/04
Avi
Chicago Illinois
I was facinating to watch, the movie is well done!
This is a reality TV at it's best, a movie that shows the beauty of a family in a quest for closure.
I hope that this movie will be nominated for some award so the awareness to this situation in Israel will cause some people in goverment to shape up and shead some light on this painful long overdue issue
Thanks you David Fisher for this wonderful artwork. and the music is great too (is there a CD?)
4/20/04
Kelly Caldwell
Homewood, Ill
To say I loved this film would be an understatement. Looking into this mans family was an amazing insight of conflict, forgiveness and love. The sceen on the boat when his brother explains his reasons for not being at home with his children was the most honest dialog I have ever heard. I was very touched by his pain and his own realality of hearing himself say this.
4/20/04
I really enjoyed watching this documentary and seeing how relationships change and evolve. It showed strength, perseverance, and courage even in the face of trials and tribulations.
4/20/04
Ahuva Moldavi
Exton, PA
This was a beautifully moving film, produced by a real artist. I hope we can see more works by David Fisher.
4/20/04
Evelyn Arambasick
Sagamore Hills, Ohio
I stayed up late last night to watch this and was not disappointed. What a beautiful and poignant film. Family dynamics at their best -- the honesty and love among the siblings. Also, family dynamics at their worst if it protrays the in-laws' status 24/7. The thought that came to me was that possibly the sister was born profoundly retarded and the obstetrician understood their mother's psychological make-up enough to know that she would not be able to cope with it. He might have had the infant institutionalized and felt he was sparing the mother a profoung agony. It's paternalistic, but then it is a paternalistic profession and much more so during the '50's. Nonetheless, good luck to them on their quest.
4/20/04
I just saw the last half of the Love Inventory. It was fantastic.
My father's family was just like the Fisher family-the motto was Family First and foremost. My mother and her sisterin law were definitely outside the inner circle. Every Sunday was a command visit to my grandparents' home. I now look back on those days with nostalgia.
Families have a strange way of expressing love and it is interesting to see the different perceptions of each sibling's relationship to their parents.
As a twin I felt great empathy for the family. I hope someday the Fishers find their missing sister. If so I hope they will do a follow up film.
I would like to know if David always felt responsible for the family or is it a result of his parents' death. A new family order has come about.
4/20/04
Debbie Goelman McCarthy
Sylvania Ohio
An incredible docudrama! We are as sick as the secrets we keep. Clarification is needed in regard to the twin sister, what was the final verdict? The music was beautiful! PLEASE make a follow up and show more Israeli documentaries that are family based. Thank you for sharing, all of you.Shalom
4/16/04
C. Kelley
Olive Branch, MS
I watched this documentary last night and became completely drawn into their conflict. I am amazed at the closeness of these siblings despite any rivalry. This family is woven together, and I feel anyone that married into this family would have known from the beginning how tight the ties were bound. I loved this piece and would love to see more work by David Fisher.
4/16/04
ELLY RISS
MEMPHIS,TN
A shocking and revealing story....please tell us the outcome of the family's search for their sister. You stopped just as you learned of the truth...was that deliberate so that there will be another film following this one?
If so, please do a sequel!
Toda and Shalom!
Elly(a former resident of Haifa)
4/16/04
Lisa Matlock
Memphis TN
I really like the music, wish I could get it on CD
4/16/04
Rona
Weston, FL
I watched the movie last night and was thinking of it all day today. The issue of missing babies always interested me because I am of Yemenite decent and always wanted the mistery to be solved and the truth to be told. I heard when I was a child in Israel that people knew of yemenite looking kids that were "adopted" to Ashkenazi parents but I never knew if that was true. My family - too- is a family where the parents do not discuss anything in the open with the kids - every thing is a secret. The grown up carry their pain with them to the grave. It is a different culture. The new generation is more open.
4/16/04
As the eldest of a family of 6 children I was very impressed with the cohesiveness of the Brothers Fisher and their sister. It is wonderful that they love and respect each other. I did not get the idea that this excludes their wives and children. They just enjoy being together and sharing their lives.
I thought that it was proven that the twin sister died at birth.
This is the first Israeli film I have seen on TV that focuses on daily lives. Thank you PBS for showing this to us. I saw it on Channel 209 in Boston. Again, thanks for the insight. GK
4/16/04
Dennis
Arcata, CA
I don't usually watch shows like this one, but last night was an exception. I'm glad I watched. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, it was that compelling.
These beautiful people had the courage to open up their most intimate lives to us like that. It really blew me away. I was touched.
I was particularly touched by the brother who was an artist. What a beautiful soul! Watching him, gave me the strength to want to buy a guitar, and just go for it. (I'm also an artist, btw- but have not pursued this talent for a number of years, and have lived on the fringe of society, alone to myself).
Also, the level of intimacy and affection between the entire family was awe-inspiring. It reminded me (however painfully) of my own up-bringing (American Jewish), and how, in this American culture, touching like this is prohibted. We are poorer for it! I feel ripped off.
If only I could tell the Fishers how much their story meant to me, what they did for me. I love them, and consider them to be brave pioneers in a cold, cruel world.
4/16/04
barbara
nyc
I caught the last 45 minutes and was very comforted to see images of my family in this movie. Both my parents are Holocaust survivors. My dad was in 5 concentration camps and would leave us every 6 months and get lost. It's a comfort to feel your not alone when your history can be so alienating from others.
David Fisher Thank you for putting a voice and an image to what I go thru.
4/16/04
Arlene
I loved this film. Watching an Israeli slice of life was enlightening and stimulating. The family dynamics raised questions about our own relationships and I can't help but compare. I truly enjoy films that make us think, not just entertain.
4/16/04
new york, new york
I would like to know if the quest for their lost sister will continue?? also, why did you decide to end it without some sort of closure as far as finding the lost sister is concerned.
I really want whoever is responsible to continue to find the lost sister.
thank you
cristina
4/15/04
Berlin, NH
I too have a missing sibling and appreciate the responses that David's brothers and sister gave. Even those who were once for seeking our lost brother have now decided to not stir up any trouble. I thank you for such a wonderful program. I am not a movie critic, by any stretch of the mind, but I do know what a good movie does and David Fisher does it. David has done an exellent job. He moved me to tears, frustration, anger,etc. I became part of the Fisher family for a short time. As one other person stated, thank you for showing us that we are even all more the same, than we think. Thank you for taking us out of our little postage stamp lives and broading our horizans.
4/14/04
amy
i would like take a risk investing in a new film by the same director. superb work!!
4/14/04
Laura
MountainTop, PA
I appreciated the film tremendously. The film was a multi-layered look at a family of adult siblings and of the Israeli. I was tremendously impressed with how the film maker was able to present the personalities of each brother so well. And appreciative that the film maker chose to spend quality time with the conversations between siblings, not to rush,or present a situation in a commercialized quick clip. I began to know and like each brother and sister as I watched the film. I appreciated how the family members respected each other's opinions as well. I was interested in finding out if the family ever found the twin sister, it seems "the rest of the story" should be posted at the end of the film.
4/14/04
Holly Porrino
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
I was not supposed to watch tv last night but I turned 13 on and became intrigued by the Fishers, grateful for their honesty, moved by their quest which I agreed with. Secrets are damaging so I was hoping they would find the truth. However, I completely understand the wives who feel that they are in second place, because I married into a large Italian-Irish family who still think they are in their original nuclear family while we the wives are yelling: "Hello, you grew up and supposedly have your own family now" but they don't understand that yet.
4/14/04
Susan Paulson
I saw the film Love Inventory last night on PBS. But I unfortunately missed half. But it seemed that the family was disconnected from the world. It took 15 minutes to learn where they were becuase of the lack of exposure to the outside world. Was this the point? On some level was it thought that this family is extremely disconected? Or were they just that self involved? OR was it just cut from the film? Because you could "pickup" the impact from the outside, but you never really saw it.
4/14/04
New York
I loved this documentary. It was very well done, and, examined difficult family subjects and relationships with absolute honesty.
Well done!
Please let us know if the twin sister is ever found...
4/14/04
ocean
ny,ny
it's a beautifull story. it's bring a lot from the "israeli". it's true,in israeli family,not all of them,but a big part,the blood tie as you call it,is realy strong and come before any other kind of relationship. the children are always around the parents,and there influence. i find its importent but stil,i think that this bound make the children less open minded,and less free to follow there hart and there dream,beacuse they always think about what the "blood ties"think....
4/14/04
Fair Lawn, NJ
I just waited to see if the sister would be found. What happened? That was a disappointment.
I can understand Lili's frustration. Don't forget, you get one day as a weekend in Israel. Each weekend was spent at one of the Fishers' houses. What about their families? Their desires to see other people on the weekend or to just simply do something else. How about every-other week?
4/14/04
Mehdi Mohammad
nyc, ny
I absolutely loved this film. It is one of the most touching films I have ever seen. For the first time, I have seen a film about Israelis outside the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It added a human touch and it shows that we are all the same in the end, whether we be muslim, jewish or atheist.
It has also made me want to learn more and seek deeper into my family's history
Don't stop making these stories!
MEHDI
4/14/04
Marcia Rosenbaum
This film shows a struggle common to all of us. The death of parents, and how one deals with it. The discovery of a "secrret" and how the siblings react to it was agan very universal. I liked the fact that it showed Israeli life. When all yone sees on the news is death it is wonderful to be reminded that there is life in Israel.
I think that after a death of parents it is normal to want to draw closer or strengthen blood ties, but as time goes on I think the relationship one has with ones spouse and children gets stronger. You come to realize that you are creating your own blood ties.
4/14/04
Malia Cross
Honolulu Hawaii
Aloha, Secrets should eventually be uncovered, when the time is right. It would have pained Mali Fisher to dig up the mess that her children found, especially since they didn't find Sammy. Sibling rivalry prepares you for life, it ain't all pretty. Blood ties are very powerful. Women's rights is starting to challenge the backseat they have taken in their roles as sisters-in-laws. It'll be awhile before we can be fair in our relationships, both in families and marriages. I applaud David Fisher in pursuing a secret that needed to come to light. I only wish that they could be reunited with their sister, that would be a wonderful dream come true.
Thank you for broadcasting films that deserve to be seen.
Mahalo,
Malia Cross
4/14/04
gaby
canada
i think they should investigate the secret, after all here is a family that is so tight the wives are sometimes exculded.
i think the siblings have a healthy relationship ofcourse what do i know, i have 2 sisters, we fight,argue, disagree,insult eachother atleast once a week then we go shopping together.
i loved the movie. unfortunately only caught the last half of it. i came on the site to find out the ending, if the missing twin was ever found. i hope she was. after the life they led i hope there is a happy ending to this story
4/14/04
Stephen Landry
Concord, California
This was a very touching and bittersweet film. I believe the discovery of the altered record was very significant. It looks as if the baby was given to someone else, perhaps a friend of the Doctor's. Therefore a birth certificate would have been fabricated with a female baby born about the same time as your sister (they could not have fabricated a date too far off because immunization records, etc. would have made it difficult to hide the truth). The main problem will be where the birth will have been fabricated to have taken place. You could start with all female babies "born" at that hospital, then that town, then region. etc. and continue to widen the search.
Could it be possible to find census records of all female children in Israel born at that time, say within a few days or week of the actual birth? Then one by one, track them down? There may only be a few dozen or a few hundred.
It sounds like a needle in a haystack, and it is, but I am reminded of a true story regarding the JFK assassination. It was such a big story that many reporters were assigned the task of dialing Dallas residents from the phone book, in the race to find anyone with photographic or film evidence from Dealey Plaza. An enterprising NY Times reporter figured there would be less competition if he worked backwards, starting with the Zs instead of the As-- within a few hours of calling he reached Abe Zapruder at home and uncovered the famous Zapruder film. This all occurred within 24 hours of the assassination.
If you could get that picture and have a graphic artist "age-regress" it to age 17 or 18, you could search high school yearbooks and visit all likely matches. It's a lot of legwork but it could be done. It sounds like she survived the birth so I know you will never be able to let it go till you know what happened to her. Good luck and let us all know how it goes!
S. Landry
4/14/04
Raheli
As someone who grew up in Israel and as an artist myself, I want to thank David for sharing his story. I love that he is comfortable with the open-endedness of things, the untidy nature of family, history and love. Seeing the love between the brothers Fisher made me homesick for that affection and physicality that Israelis, despite all our craziness and longing for a world that makes more sense than the one we know, share so freely. I will keep their stories in my heart and thank David, Gidon, Ronel, Estee, Amnon and their families for their honesty and courage. Answers to so many of our questions prove elusive, but it is the asking, the willingness to risk and to do so with love, that make us fully human.
4/14/04
mountain view ca
the fisher family tale is a story of all families and family secrets.
If we push hard into ourown families, we find secrets and possible secrets.
Growing up in Ireland - living under a colonized system, there was bound to be secrets. We learned secrecy to stay alive, as did your parents.
A good movie, beautifully made and poignant.
thank you
4/14/04
Prudence
I think it is important to respect each family member's feelings about family secrets and whether or not they should be explored. However, respect and consideration does not equal ignoring one's own desires - and so - if one member wants to explore something controversial in their family - I think they should, delicately. I think this show/the man who did this show (Fisher) was considerate.
And, I do think some positive things can come out of sibling rivalries - but not because rivaling is good. Rivaly - to "win" or to "beat out" the other guy - or to be "better than", is a base emotion we are taught to rise above. Good things may happen in spite of this weakness, but it is not good in itself.
I do not think blood ties should always come first. The Bible teaches that a man cling to his wife and leave his family. The woman leaves her family and does the same. This is the marriage relationship. It is above all others. We are to honor our elders and take care of our siblings, still - but they take second position. This is the family unit - and it needs to be strong. Since this comes from God's Holy Word - I believe it to be true and right, while respecting that not everyone will agree with me on any of what I am writing. Thanks for "listening" - and please give an update to this show. Did they ever find the sister? Did they enlist the help of the state? Thanks - Prudence
4/14/04
Kay Clover
Spokane Valley, WA
LOVE INVENTORY is such a beautiful, stunning film. Once the parents' painful secret is opened and looked at, each sibling, in response, reveals their own secrets, their own scars; it becomes a family journey of self-discovery. The beauty of their familial relationships, their love for each other, their support system...I came to care deeply for each of them, whether the search to solve the parents' secret was to be successful or not. Their extended families would, you could see, eventually also benefit from their self-discoveries.
There is such a fundamental truthful wisdom there, which unfolds as perfectly as an opening rose. I was moved to tears, and am in awe of its' pure story-telling beauty.
4/14/04
Analee Helm Harriman
Horseshoe Bend,Idaho, USA
Fisher Family: I am a geneologist for my many sides of the family and have often gotten stopped on a problem, I do have a suggestion, ask more questions of the people in your moms life, and also her closest friend. The scratched up paper work is a silent alarm that something was hidden so I wish you all the best of luck and to keep going, all information is shown to us in the proper time, but it will become known. Never dispare,just keep on trying a different line of approch. Good Luck and Love to you all
4/14/04
ilan mosery
Woodsburgh, NY
I thought the movie was very well done. I am also one of 4 brothers and I can understand the family structure and its difficulties.
I would like to know what came of the lost sister. Do you plan to continue?
4/14/04
S Kahn
New York, New York
Fisher manages the acrobatic feat of being very clear about a maze of complex and intertwining issues. Today, I'm thinking about the emotional side of this very moving film. Tomorrow, I'll think about the political.
My mother's family is from Israel, and like almost everyone there -- has a story that parallels the Fisher's. Her mother escaped to Palestine during the Russian Revolution, but between that and subsequent wars, lost most of her family by an early age. Then in Palestine, her first child died days after birth because of hospital negligence, a loss that left her numb. When Estee Fisher describes her relationship with her mother -- of love hidden behind a wall of fear -- I wanted to weep for Estee and my mother together.
Ronel's desperation to remain emotionally disengaged is as understanbable a reaction (to me at least) as David's deep desire to keep his family together. We carry the effect of our parents' traumas and sadness with us, even if we don't know the details of what happened to them. And then we transmit it to our own children. Of course, this is the story of survivors everywhere.
Congratulations to David Fisher for a very powerful work.
4/14/04
Thank you this was a really great movie!!!!!
4/14/04
Estee' Salman
Long Island, New York
1. Each family has different dynamics. Usually when there is a loss or tradigty, and the adult children are brought together, the stories begin to flow. Some stories fill the blanks, some are secrets that come out, and then there are those you wish never came out.
2.Sibling rivalry is one thing that can be a positive or a negative depending on the out come. The interaction between adult children where there is a playful ribbing and digging. I feel stems from the imature relationship and comfort level amongst the children. This usually goes on until the parents are gone, and then the children have to grow up.
3. I don't think that David Fisher means to give presedance to his Siblings over his family. He is the eldest and the eldest (even if it isn't the eldest by birth but by self appointment) has the responsibility to take care of the family. But, No! for the sake of your question; I have learned that your immedate family must always take precedence.
4/14/04
Edward Altizer
Charleston, West Virginia
I just finished watching this film this evening, April 13, 2004. I'm sorry I only tuned in after it was started.
This is what 'reality' shows should be like.
Suggested questions:
Secrets can keep hurtful things from people who are not ready to receive them. The youngest brother, the guitarist and actor, was having difficulties. Mature people and good people like these could hear anything and learn something of their family. They would love the mother or the father.
Of course, sibling rivalry can be constructive. If only it is. Rivalries like steel on steel can sharpen and you can learn.
Mrs. Fischer should understand that these brothers have built a special relationship and respect it. Others may not have that, but this should not be held back or limited because it's unusual. You can make of a relationship what you will, and these men and this family have created a bond that is apparently a very good one. She and they need to understand that.
She used the word, 'immodest'. I don't see that in the film, but if true, she would have a point. But only that point. I sense this is a good relationship.
If they make a film about the sisters-in-law, it may show only pedestrian relationships, although with these brothers, who knows? If it reflects the brothers again, that will be rewarding, as was this initial production.
4/14/04
Rockvale, TN
I agree that maintaining relationships with your blood relatives is important, but not at the expense of your relationships with your spouse and children. If your spouse and offspring feel as if they are in second place, you are doing something wrong. Your children will most likely outlive your siblings and will most likely be caring for you in your old age. Consider those facts when setting your relationship priorities.
Also, I was curious if the Fisher family was able to gather a list of ALL females born on that date in that hospital. I have heard stories of well-connected families having stillborns and hospitals taking a healthy child from a lesser known family rather than incite the wrath of the family who could do more harm to the hospital's reputation.
4/14/04
Cheryl Sewell
Murfreesboro, TN
I think that secrets have a way of reveiling themselves when the time is right. I myself found out at age 35 that I have a different father. Which was kept from me until a sister died & then my mother's best friend came forward to tell me because I had health problems. Some secrets should not be kept secret! What benefits some people to keep it hush hush might not benefit the other!
Sibling rivalry can change like the tides. I think it can be positive & negative.
I used to feel the same way until I had children & then realized that this is my family now. My current family. Then when your children are gone it is just your husband & you who are the closest family. Everyone is an extension of yourself.
I hope that the Fisher's find there sister & that he does another film about it. I know for me personaly meeting my father & siblings was very unreal. To see someone who is part of you that you never knew existed. That looks like you, sounds, moves & acts in ways you do. I'm glad the secret was revealed to me!
4/14/04
Brian Flaherty
Pittsburgh, PA
I loved the show. I have three brothers and a sister and they reminded me of my family. We also lost a sister. I thought a good place to take the birth ledger might be the FBI. They have some remarkable technologies which may uncover the underlying message, as well as, disclose when it was altered. You might want to go through a US Senator or congressman to procure cooperation and expidition. I think many would help if you would inform them of your mission. My heart and prayers are with the families.
LOVE
4/14/04
I have always felt I was in second place when it came to my husband's family. There are 13 siblings and myself and my children have always felt on the outer fringe of the family. Although when it comes to my husband, we have never felt second place. His siblings have a way of letting us know we are inferior without really saying anything. I doubt they know they even do it. They are very nice to your face, but won't hesitate to saying something bad behind your back. A couple of the siblings actually moved very far away and are criticized for having their own lives. Several of the siblings had a very hard time separating from their parents when they married, and as a result their marriages have suffered. I think David Fisher finally got it right, when he realized, that his brothers and sister had their own lives.
4/14/04
NY, NY
The film reached me on a really viceral level, and was patently a labor of love.
All my own close family (parents and brother) are gone now, and I couldn't have children; and despite wonderful friends and other family members (cousins, aunts), I feel adrift in an alien sea where no one is really "blood of my blood" --so I can understand David Fisher's need to know if one more sister exists. At the same time, I can agree with his youngest brother who says that he loses his way when he looks to the past--I suppose because either the memories are too hard to face or he can find no guideposts there that ring true for him.
I thank the film maker for sharing all that he did with us.
4/14/04
Lara
Lock Haven, Pa
Flipping through channels this program caught my eye, and kept my attention for the next 45 minutes. I enjoyed learning about the personalitys of the family members, while their mystery slowly unfolded. I certainly urge others to check out this story if you want to find yourself into a 'random' tv program, and not be completely sure why that is.
4/14/04
Beth R.
Milwaukee, WI., USA
Is the soundtrack from this film available? It was wonderful!
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