Almost a year after it apparently was first shown on PBS, I saw it on Wisconsin public tv Friday night.
It is an extraordinary film which deserves widespread showing including, if possible, Gaza and the West Bank.
The filmmakers are brilliant and I am grateful to them.
fbenjul
Madison WI
Thanks so much for airing this film. It did exactly what any good film should: it allowed me to witness and understand an extraordinarily moving situation the I otherwise wouldn't have been exposed to.
I cried, too, when I saw how courageous the IDF was in the documentary about the tremendous conflict they felt about enforcing the Israeli government's decision to remove people who had lived in the settlement for so many years. It was their home, and the people there felt such a sense of betrayal about being uprooted. I saw the wisdom, the compassion, the shared pain the soldiers felt as they used the least amount of force possible, even when being told they were acting like terrorists by angry hurting people.
Particularly moving to me was the scene in the synagogue when the settlers and the soldiers danced together and prayed together. I know soldiers and former soldiers in the IDF-- and the film made me want to tell them that G-d and those with eyes to see saw the difficulty they faced with such integrity.
The film helped me understand better the pressures IDF soldiers face in a roller coaster world. It helped me understand the trauma that uprooting a community brings. It also showed me more reasons to pray for the "peace of Jerusalem" and for wisdom for the Israeli government, despite political pressure from other countries, including, sadly, the United States.
I cried again when the synagogue was demolished, although I understood why that choice was made.
I grieved when the hothouses that had been generously donated as a humanitarian effort to bless Palestinians on so many levels were ignorantly and spitefully torn down to make way for rockets with which to shell Israel from a closer vantage point. I saw Israelis who exemplified Yeshua's words about "doing good to those who persecute you."
As a Messianic Gentile (a person from the nations who lives according to the Jewish calendar, enjoys sharing in the Feasts and Shabbat, and who identifies with Jewish culture and respects and cares for Israel and who says, "Never again on my watch!") I believe peace will come to Israel one day-- and it won't be a peace that any human government can really achieve. True peace will come from heart transformation, one by one by one, in repentance and humility. G-d is mighty enough to bring that about in time. Love is stronger than death; many rivers can not wash away the example and fruit that come from hearts healed by love.
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray for the members of the IDF and deeply respect the difficulties they face and the integrity and "weapons purity" I saw during the film.
May the Holy One protect the innocent who show so much restraint in the face of bombs daily shelling their Israeli cities. May the Holy One raise up Palestinian leaders who truly care for Palestinians and who will lead them with justice and integrity and who will end the culture of child abuse that has been so glorified. May He who makes peace, make peace for us and all Israel. Vimru Amen.
Four years ago I had the opportunity to tour the communities including the army base of Gush Katif many of which were shown in the documentary.We met with community leaders and victims of terrorist attacks. Both man made and natural beauty abounded.
Lovely homes, synagogues,a beautiful beach,huge greenhouses filled with vegetables and plants, and even a busy dairy are now gone. I cried for both the physical destruction and for the emotional trauma.
this was a great film showing both sides without bias. how can we get a copy of this film to show in our synagogue. the young israel is one of the largest congregations in the southeast. we would be grateful if we could secure a copy thank you for your anticipated cooperation gil rubin pres. mem's org
Thankyou for airing this on PBS. Ive been to Israel many times and have tryed to describe to my family how difficult it is at times for people who are in this heavy time in history. My older sons and I sat with tears in our eyes for the entire segment. As jews, we felt great respect, love, and grief for all involved in the evacuation, (Very tough situation, no simple answers). Thank you again for trying to tell the story, you explained it soooo much better to my family than I every could. I would buy it if it were available. Sharon
It is a moving and memorable masterpiece. I want to see it again and have my family see it. How can I buy a DVD copy? What will be the outlets to look for?
Thank you for making it...
Editors Note:
DVD copies of STORM OF EMOTIONS are currently unavailable. We have no further information on when this film might be on sale.
This film caused a rollercoster of emtion with in myself. As a young and hopefully future successful filmmaker myself I could only dream of capturing a level of humanism on film as these filmmakers did and then collectively putting the footage together to have a such a deep emotional impact as this film did for me. It is truly the most emotional piece of film work I have personally ever seen. I guess I would have to attubite this the fact that is not a ficitional story or even a story being retold. There were no interviews only the words of those it was happening to effect your emotion state of being. To be able to capture the pain, adversity and distress of these people purely through camera work and score is astounding. Further to think that the ones producing this work had to have feeling of there own about this situation and crucimstances but were still able to produce the piece as they did is amazing in itself. Pieces such as this I believe truly show that film has changed the way we can precieve and view the world. Altering our views about the world we actually live in through film is an exetremly powerful tool. I myself am forever a change person because of my viewing of this piece of film work.
Independent Lens-"Storm of Emotions" 11/11/07 12:00 AM-1:30AM Channel 56-Monday morning
This film was about the evacuation of the Gaza Strip. The evacuation was done by Israeli policemen, removing fellow jews. It was very emotional for both the police and jews!
The police were well trained for what they were doing. I think the evacuation took 3 days. I thought I was watching a college footbal game. The opposing team-the police -were likened to the Egyptians and the Red Sea. The police were ready for violence but there was very little. The police were insulted for not being good jews. It was a "triumph" for the jewish people whom remained united.
Find another venue for your Palestinian rhetoric. If the same compassion can be found within their people, let them make a film. Research and you will find out why the settlements were razed. I doubt you will ever find a more profound and truly life changing depiction of brotherhood. Especially to those of us who viewed it by chance. Bravo to the filmaker and Bravo to PBS Eight for having the guts to air it.
What an emotional, heartfelt show,I could feel their pain, a true and great show..thank you
I really enjoyed this documentary. It shows just how decent and peaceful the Israeli people are. It is a shame that a large number of the comments previous to mine are from people that have no idea of how things really are. I blame a large portion of this on the media and small mindedness of some of the viewers. Why not see the purity of this documentary and acknowledge there still is some good in world.
This film was very well made and well shot. It showed that the issue is more complex than a versus b. It's unfortunate that there is so little dialogue and so few films willing to spark dialogue. I wish more films would show stories of this sort and complexity. Settlers were uprooted from the Sinai peninsula after peace was brokered between Israel and Egypt. In 2005 it was Gaza and a bit of the West Bank. The rest of the West Bank is next, it's invetible and it will be just as dramatic or even more so.
The settlements are illegal and violate Article 4 of the Geneva Convention. But it's silly to think that the inhabitants of British Mandated Palestine were the people we call Palestinian today. Israel has a large Circassian community, one of the world's largest Druze and Baha'i communities and a great number of Arab Muslim, Armenian, Maronite , Assyrian, Coptic and Greek Orthodox Christians. Along with Jews and others, this was the face of British Mandate Palestine before Israel became independent. In other words, there was never a homogenous Arab population on the ground that was suddenly uprooted by invading hordes of Jews, that is just a terrible myth.
Israel is a diverse country that is in constant flux, the settlements were and are only hurting Israel, and many Israelis will readily admit to this. They were a bad idea to begin with, bad for both sides. This was a good movie and I applaud the director and PBS for showing it.
Thank you both.
Thank you so much for sharing this deeply moving film.
It broke my heart to watch this, to see the policemen carrying out the decision of the Israeli government to expel their fellow Jews from their settlements in the West Bank, and to witness the passion on the part of the settlers and the sensitivity of the enforcers. Not an easy thing on either side. In America we did not see what was going on there, our government so readily approving of the policy. We did not see the human side of the story, of the emotional exaction.
The only thing I felt was missing are the stories of what happened after the fact, of where the settlers went after they got off the buses. This was a beautiful piece of film history, and the film makers should be commended for covering this delicate subject with grace and tact.
While I, was extremely impressed with the film I have some general comments about the Israelis shown. It disgusts me how much aid the US taxpayers are bleed to subsidise the building of these settlements to begin with. While the Israeli police used “kid gloves” with these obnoxious settlers they are not gentle or kind with either the Israeli Arabs or Palestinians. The pathetic behavior shown by these fundamentalist settlers were met by extreme coddling by their government. It really shows how much Israeli Arabs are second and third class citizens in their own country. The Zionists treat them like dirt and even insist that the Arab Citizens don't belong there.
I have personally met several Orthodox Jewish settlers who were special counselors brought in, while I was a resident counselor at a Jualan Krinsky Summer Camp Program in 2006. I found them to be the most fanatical, unyielding, bullying, group I have ever met. I have never experienced anything remotely like these religious zeolites in my life. Being from Northern CA, I never experienced any people even remotely similar. I used to be very pro-Israel., but over the past ten years (I am now 35) I have changed my opinion 180 degrees.
The Arabs and Palestinians. have absolutely nothing to do with the Holocaust. The Israelis are liars, this has been Arab land for at least 1000 years. Why should they loose their land to compensate for German War Crimes? What did the Arabs and Palestinians. ever do to the Jews in the first place to justify being put in near internment camps? While I am a economic Republican, I am deeply concerned on how the world at large views the United States in regards to Israel. As well as the common agreement between US evangelical groups and the Israelis are of significant concern.
The most poignant part of the film for me was the very end where the Israelis demolished the settlements to dirt, rather than let these fine US funded, homes and communities fall into Palestinian hands. They left rouble for them. The Israelis and there state truly disgust me, period. We Americans are builders; Japan, Germany, Europe, South Korea, and now even Iraq and Afghanistan. We build while the Israelis destroy and leave about a scorched earth policy. Where and how are the new Palestinian residents going to live in these bulldozed settlements. If the Israelis had ANY CLASS whatsoever, they would have left the buildings and towns, move in ready for the new inhabitants. This could have helped build about stability through helping a more middle class environment for the area. Instead the Palestinians. will be given a bombed out bulldozed slum to inhabit.
They are bad neighbors with all around them and sadly the US is tarred with the brush of their sleazy policies. I feel sorry for the unlucky Arabs and Palestinians who will move into rubble. It was their land until foreign powers took it away from them; now only to be held captives by the state of Israel.
Those police and soldiers played on the gentle, prayerful people, acting in what looked like compassion but was truly just a psychological tactic to gather as many from their dwellings as possible.
Shame on this type of behavior, marching in great numbers with weapons against innocents and unarmed civilians. Your day will come, history repeats itself. The clock is ticking...
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. For decades I have watched TV network coverage (NBC, CBS, CNN, etc.) and read from magazines (Time, Newsweek, etc) the one-sided pro-Palestinian point of view of the Arab/Israeli conflict.
I was very surprised to see this film on PBS. I was touched particularly, by one comment of a settler who attempted to chide the police. The person said "you are doing what terrorists could not do." Indeed conspiring terrorists and Islamic states desire the destruction of Israel.
In the last 25 years I have seen one side of the conflict yielding ground to the other only to have the gesture spit upon by another rocket attack or kidnapped soldier, or bus or cafe bombing.
It was so nice to see this film from the Israeli perspective. The Israeli perspective is far outweighed by Palestinian sympathies as evidenced by the numerous comments on this board. Many beg for the other side to be covered. The other side is usually the only side we see. Thank you for the point of view of this film.
I caught the last half hour of your incredible documentary. If we could only embrace each other with understanding, respect, peace and love, how different the world would be. Thank you, PBS, for your contribution to educating the masses through solid films such as this.
I was touched by the unique look into issues affecting Israel. I am a Black Christian Zionist who loves the Jewish people so much that it hurts. I love Israel and support her right to exist in spite of what the media tends to show and her enemies continue to fight. Thanks for showing a fragile story about how hard it was for Israelis to make their brothers and sisters leave their homes and synogogues. I cried so hard. I hate that there is such a liberal anti-Israel bend in most of what is portrayed in the media. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
I've never in my life seen so many whining Drama Queens in one place at one time as I did while watching this obvious propaganda film. I still have a slight headache after watching and listening to an hour and a half of wallowing in victimization. Where were the Palestinian voices from the Gaza Ghetto to balance this one-sided sob story? Where was the BALANCE Public Television is supposed to strive to give to the community?
The whole film is really about humanity on a universal level. Regardless of "sides."
People have a wide range of opinions on these postings. I agree that the movie was touching, but you must apply these lessons of compassion and humanity accross the board to all people. My heritage is Jewish, and I have recently learned about the Jewish idea of making the world better or "repairing the world." I feel happy that there is something Jewish that I can feel proud of. This "healing of the world" must apply to ALL people, Jewish and Middleastern, Russian, African, Swedish and German.
To avoid being hyprocritical, we Jewish folks really need to apply this universally. I feel so sad when I feel disappointed in some of the Jewish people who commented here, and who were in the film. Do they feel peace is only to be given to Jews? And erase from memory violent crimes to our Middleastern Brothers and sisters? We are all people with humanity. To "heal" we must apply non-violence to all brothers and sisters on our planet. Why is this so BEYOND some of us? We must embrace "tikkun olam"(repairing the earth) TOTALLY COMPLETELY. Please, my Jewish brothers and sisters, now is time to let go of double standards.
This was a beautiful documentary regarding the removal of Gaza settlers. Human emotions ran all over the screen... But there was something that was unsettling still. I could not get past the idea that if Palestinians were to be ousted, much more violent force and much more inhumane acts would have been administered. Discriminating behaviour with regard to Jews and non Jews is tantamount to racism. There is no way that the IDF would treat the Palestinians the way it treated the Gaza settlers. In the end of the film, some of the settlers were talking about how much pain they felt when they were forced to evacuate - I am sure they now understand how the Palestinians felt when they were encroached upon.
Bravo! This documentary portrays a human compassion we all must have for one another. We must learn to embrace one another with peace in exchange for violence. Although I did see through the political manipulation of this film, I couldn’t help but recognize how conflict can be handled through understanding and patience.
Ones stomach would turn if a documentary was ever aired on how the Jews evict the Palestinians from “their land”. Such inhuman, and violent ways!! No man should be victim to such horror. It is no wonder that violence has such a strong hold on this land. However, these films will never be broadcasted- the US Government and the Israeli Government does not want the truth to be told.
If we could remind one ourselves to treat one another like our brother, to love and embrace in our difference, we may be able to resolve more conflicts. I enjoyed this film and its message to treat one another with respect and brotherly love. However, I was only able to enjoy after I looked past the propaganda. God bless all –everyone one of us. God bless us and peace be among us!
I have a personal interest in the Israeli residents being removed from Gaza. I was in Israel the Summer of 2005 and was somewhat of a witness to the injustice of the expulsion.
The handling of the evacuation of the Israelis from the Gaza strip settlements was commendable.This was an AMAZING view into a tragic and historical event. I felt as though I was there, my heart broke with my people .I hope this film gets wide distribution. People should see that the Israeli soldiers are sensitive human beings. It was extremely unusual for PBS to air a program that is so sympathetic to the Israeli Army.The director should be grateful for having made such an important movie, historical in signinficanc as well as artistic in its achievement. I salute her. Congratulations! Yaffa Schlesinger
Regardless of whether one believes that this film reflected the politics of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in a balanced manner, it was nonetheless a facsinating and moving film about powerful human emotions. Rarely have I seen a film so compelling -- I simply could not look away. The heartbreak shared by all those portrayed was so raw that my heart physically ached while watching it. The humanity displayed by the Israeli police was a rare sight in today's world. The kindness and respect shown by the police toward those being evacuated was a miracle to behold. Throughout the film I kept thinking that given the charged emotions, the heat, and the politics, the situation would inevitably lead to violence. That it did not, leaves me with the sense that there are profound lessons that could be learned from this film and those in it. Thank you PBS for making films like this possible.
My mind was blown and my heart was touched so deeply watching the passion of the settlers and the compassion and retraint of the soldiers. As a Jew, the most painful thing is not terriorism but to think of Jews against Jews, I was so happy to see that our shared faith and unity as Jews ultimately was the most powerful force for peace and unity and maybe even redemption.
I thought the film showed how the Israelis get special treatment. The settlements are breaking the law. Was sensitivity used when taking over Palestinian land? The men acted like children, crying and rocking. England gave them the state of Israel. Jews were called from all over the world to come there. This is not the Israel in the Bible. The settlers act like it's their land because once it was, a long, long time ago. It isn't now. Stop encroaching onto Palestinian and Lebanon land, stay in your boundries. The Israelis are provoking all around them and trying to play the victim. The U.S. should not help them. Jerusalem should be open to all.
For those who criticize immediately the Israelis, rather than seeing the humanity in this film, you need to take some history lessons. First- the Israeli govenment asked the arabs living in Israel to stay and help build the country in 1948. Those arabs that did stay are still there, enjoying a standard of living, and civil rights, that are higher than arabs living anywhere else in the middle east. Those that left in 1948, left of their own choosing, lured away by other arab leaders who promised them a swift return to the land when the Jewish state would be defeated in war. Of course, that never happened and hopefully never will. As for the destruction of the buildings in Gush Katif, the Israelis left many more buildings standing in Gaza, including modern, multi- million dollar greenhouses, which boosted the economy of the area. In less than one month after the Israelis left, all remaining buildings, including the greenhouses, were destroyed by the Gazans- pillaged for the parts and destroyed to wipe out the memory of the previous jewish occupants. Rather than using the greenhouses to bolster the economy and create jobs, they were destroyed out of hatred. As for the residents of Gush Katif, it is laughable to believe that they were made wealthy by the U.S. government. In fact, it is shameful that many still reside in small trailer parks, uncompensated by anyone, and forgotten in their dislocated state, by their own government. This movie shows the true nature of the Israelis. Think of the advances that could be made if they would just be left alone by those who continuously try to destroy them.
Of course I had heard about Ariel Sharon's bold decision to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza. But the broadcast last night was shocking in impact. I found myself viscerally revolted by what was portrayed as, in effect, a thoroughly Machiavellian approach taken by Jewish settlers who quite apparently sought desperately to inflict emotional or psychological damage upon brethren Jewish soldiers, policemen, and commanders and to cheapen the memory of six million Holocaust victims. Above all, I was deeply disturbed by young settlers doing an obvious "perp walk" as they left final positions while aping famous Holocaust-era photographs of children with hands raised, palms forward, and wearing a yellow Star of David labelled "Jude." The settlers' disagreement is political, with the government in Jerusalem. It is not with the soldiers and police. What is understandable about their deplorable behavior is that they believed so strongly so as to pursue any nonviolent avenue to make their feelings known and forestall the evacuation. Obviously, they prayed for a modern miracle or perhaps even the voice of G-d to descend from the heavens. But it did not occur, was not to be, and their violation of the Torah commandment of "you will love your neighbor as yourself" became their ironic legacy.
My heart was wrenched out as I watched this film. The suffering of the nation of Israel is never presented by the regular News like this. My heart goes out to all.
Although I am not Jewish my Faith has it's roots there. Shalom Israel!
Overall, I thought this was an excellent film. I think there was room to offer a bit deeper understanding of the evacuees by interviewing and following a couple of families, just as it had done with the police officers. Nonetheless, this is an important film that portrays Israeli's as they are: lovers of peace, longing for a place to call home.
To me this was not a movie about Isreal or Gaza or being Jewish. This was a film about grace -- about the common person chosing to reach out to his fellow man with understanding, compassion, and generosity of spirit. It inspired me to meet all challenges -- be they life changing or small day-by-day problems -- with those same qualities. These experiences and people are excellent examples of what we should all to aspire to when dealing with each other.
Will make you cry
My husband and I watched this film last night, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. It should be mandatory screening in all schools that teach modern history. It represented much of the best qualities of our people--right alongside some of the worst, but it did so with true intellectual honesty and sensitivity.
Thank you to PBS for airing this film. Please do so again soon.
This is one of the most moving shows I have ever seen. I thought it was incredible how delicatly the Police handled the whole situation. That whole evacutation could have gone a different way had the Police gone in w a different and non respectful attitude. It makes you wonder if maybe all things were handled that way, if they would have a different outcome also. I think all children should sit and watch this.....just to comprehend how different it is here....and maybe thenthey could appreciate what they have...and what they do not have to go through....Very, very moving!!!!
The handling of the evacuation of the Israelis from the Gaza strip settlements was commendable. I wonder if the same tact and understanding is evidenced when Palestinians are being removed from their homes.
The final scenes of the destruction of all the buildings was in counterpoint to all the sensitivity shown in the rest of the film.
i literally could not sleep after watching this film. i found it to be deeply profound on many levels. one thing that kept bothering me as i lay in bed was the image of the men, young and old, in the synogogue all singing and moving rythmically. i found myself wishing i were part of something like that. i also loved the short pan down at the feet of both settlers and policemen as they danced together. this film covered quite a spectrum of society - from the young soldiers to the angry mothers to the middle aged policemen to the rabbis - and in the end, though it was very very difficult, the overwhelming sense of brotherhood overcame the terrible division they all faced. i highly recommend this film - just superb.
I was deeply moved by this excellent documentary. Most of us had read brief descriptions of leaving Gaza, usually emphasizing the numbers of people who had been moved and other statistical information. This was the first opportunity to see the operation in human terms--Thank you for showing it.
Good Program! But, the NY Times reported during the evacuation, that the US Goverment paid each homeowner $225,000 per home. Great Drama.
Storm of Emotions is absolutely incredible, one of the finest documentaries I have ever seen. I didn't move for ninety minutes and barely blinked while watching it. The respect that both "sides" offered each other, the deference for Religious men and Holy items was refreshing. Grown men embracing, touching, crying and saying without reservation things like "I love you and I understand you." Verbal non-violent communication, listening, and it seems that often it was enough to keep situations from getting out of control. This is what I long for in the United States, we could learn so much from others if we wanted to and were allowed.
Seeing the young men and women trying to deal with such a heavy emotional toll and not break really hit me. This is why I watch Independent Lens and am a member of my local public television station.
I have just watched the program "Storm of Emotions". I pray for the evacuees, the police and the soldiers who had to go through this heart wrenching ordeal. My prayers go out to all the people of Israel and hope that forgivness rules the day.
Peace be with you.
where did the people go?
It was one f the greatest emotional story that I was able to view in some time." A jew removing a jew" was truelly on of the most heart tugging story. Would we as Americans be so COMPASSIONATE, if we were to go to cabrine green and move our people out? Trully humane being's, being humane, nevere saw anything like it! We need more of this!
The PBS program documenting the evacuation of Gaza was certainly touching and informative from a number of viewpoints. The sensitivity, tolerance and empathy employed by the Israeli police forces was quite amazing and exemplary. If only our American police were trained in such nonviolent techniques and humanitarianism!
What was missing from the story, however, is more telling. We missed the story of how the land from those Jewish settlements in Gaza and the West Bank is stained with the blood of the Palestinian people. We didn’t get to hear the story of the expulsion of the Palestinians from their homelands in the two nakbars (catastrophes) of 1948 and 1967 – not to mention the longest occupation in modern history that continues to the present day in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
It is also to be noted that in stark contrast to the civility of the evacuation of a few thousand Jewish settlers in Gaza, the expulsions of the Palestinians in 1948 and 1967 were neither sympathetic nor nonviolent. First of all, hundreds of thousands (in all over one-million-and-a-half) Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and ancestral farmlands. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were brutally beaten. All in all, the entire State of Israel was founded upon the blood and stolen land of the Palestinian people. When will you document that history?
Finally, the last images in the film where those Jewish settlements were then destroyed in the aftermath are reminiscent of how that Nazis blew up and burnt everything in the path of the advancing Soviet Army. At least the Nazi strategy evinced some element of military utility in terms of making a strategic retreat. In contrast, the destruction of those perfectly useful homes and buildings from the Jewish settlements so that they could not be used by incoming Palestinians was simply ideological: it was a policy based out of pure envy, “If the Jewish people can’t have it, the Palestinians will sure as hell never get a hold of it.”
But explaining that side of the story would seem to contradict the essential propaganda that the government and Jewish people of Israel are such a moral, upright, and sensitive people…. You couldn’t do that now, could you?
On that last note, we are still waiting for your documentaries on Palestinian home demolitions, use of civilians as human shields, and the general collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank by targeted and extralegal assassinations, taking out power, water and food supplies, waste treatment facilities, murder of innocent civilians, etc., etc..
The point is that while the government of Israel may be extraordinarily sensitive and caring for their own Jewish citizens, they are butchers and barbarians when it comes to dealing with the Palestinians and usurping their homes, lands and livelihoods.
PS: I have lived in Israel and am part Jewish. Shalom.
Quite a moving film. I must admit I was not that aware of the pain that the settlers and the Isreali went through during this time. Such a tough time for the settlers families especially. It is sad our world has such a time finding a way to peaceably live together. Pray for peace and practice peace in our daily life.
Storm of Emotions showed a side of the Israeli police force that gives hope; hope that the same compassion and tenderness will one day be given to those innocent Palestinian men, women, and children who have been displaced, despised, and made a laughing stock since 1948 with no film crew to record their pain. What Storm of Emotions did not show was those Arabs who lived in Gaza before the Israeli settlers came to use their land and were evicted. I beg those talented young people who make film to take the courageous and unexplored challenge of telling their story. You will find no money to fund it, opposition will face your every move,and the challenge of a lifetime will stare you in the face. This will be the film of the century! It is every so as the ages roll and the record's written clear, there is a price to pay to forge a truly new film frontier.
I have grown up always wondering why the Gaza strip was such a big deal. After watching the program tonight I was confused about what was going on. I did some research online to find out why Israel would evacuate it's own citizens to find that to show it's willingness for peace that it was willing to sacrifice. What a grand sacrifice! I was very moved in watching how the police hugged and talked with the people. I hope that the evacuees can find peace in their sacrifice. This documentary moved me to learn more about Gaza. I hope that both the Israelis and Palestinians can now find peace.
When a government oversteps as to in one age promote an agenda of occupying land that once belonged to others, in such a fashion as to continue a cycle of violence for so many years... these are the results. While assuredly it is sad to imagine people losing their homes, the reality is that peace has a price and that to achieve it some will be asked to pay what is to them a disproportionate share of that cost.
What struck me most about the film, and was left unexplained, was the destruction of the villages after the evacuations. When Israel occupied Palestine, occupied Gaza, entire villages were destroyed... removed from the face of the Earth. Atop those lands, once settled by others, Israelis built new settlements of their own. Now that they have "been forced" to leave as a result of policies at last arrived at to promote the possibility of peace, were the homes destroyed in an effort to prevent settlers from returning or to eliminate the possibility of providing already standing domiciles to Palestinians?
The time for destruction is past. If you wish to promote peace then promote not only the return of Gaza but the economic empowerment of Palestine. Neither side of this equation has clean hands, but the utter destruction of homes that might be used to uplift an impoverished people dispossessed of their land and now returning... this is a sin.
This documentary was one of the best in recent years.
It touched me alot. Severa times I wiped my tearing eyes. Especially the police was amazing. I hope I want to send them my personal letters if it is possible. I think Israel is a great country.
STORM OF EMOTIONS
Follow the Israeli police force during the Gaza Strip evacuation.
Just happened upon this film and couldn’t take my eyes off it. From my home in the United States, news events such as the Gaza Strip evacuation are brief news blips forcing mostly on the evacuees. Turning the camera onto the Israeli police force, instead of the protesting crowds, as they worked to evacuate their frustrated countrymen and women was fascinating. The emotional trauma that was more often highlighted in news briefs was that captured in the faces of the evacuees, but was felt doubly by the police force shouldered the responsibility of carrying out the difficult orders. I hadn’t thought of the people behind the uniform; very, very intriguing. Thank you for sharing your story.
The most emotional and gut-wrenching part of this whole ordeal hasn't even been shown or mentioned in this production - namely, that the Israeli government still hasn't provided housing and economic support for the hundreds of uprooted families. There is no greater shame.......
Also left unmentioned was that shortly after the evacuation, the palestinians began firing rockets and mortars into Israel from guess where? Yep, you guessed it - Gush Katif . This is no great surprise to any halfway-intelligent person.
I wasn't expecting the sensitivity or the kindness of the police force in completing their task. The pain of the police men/women for the evacuees was clearly heartfelt. I am touched deeply by what I saw. These are images that I will not soon forget.
Thank You.
Ms.Smithford
I am impressed by the civility of the Jewish people. This is a true sign of intelligence. I don't have much to say. All this talking gets us deeper and deeper in confusion. I will say only this...
I regret and apologize if my government (U.S.) has played any part in the displacement of these people. It was not just. I wanted to cry when the man cried out to God asking: "Are you not our Lord?" It saddens me that anyone would be brought to this sort of spiritual and emotional torment. I miss Ariel Sharon.
Shalom,
James "the infidel" Brown =)
Storm of Emotion was one of the great drama of all time. Should be shown in every single Arab State. And others too. For me, one of the best moments was when one of the top leaders said that for a moment, he thought that a little girl from Gush Katif was his own little girl he left at home. It was a real tragedy where both sides are given equal considerations. The editor did a wonderful job.I cannot tell you how many wonderful points, humanitarian, not only Israeli, where played out. Thank you. The director should be grateful for having made such an important movie, historical in signinficanc as well as artistic in its achievement. I salute her. Congratulations! Yaffa Schlesinger I am proud to be a member of Thirteen all these years.
I watched part of your show, and i could not help but be dismayed by those religious people chanting and bobbing while reading their holly book and resisting evacuation. Their bobbing and appearence is not that much diferent from those of other religious people that now we call terrorist, (for the most part). What's wrong with these people. Religion is suppossed to make better human beings, not better haters of others that do not share their believes.
This was an AMAZING view into a tragic and historical event. I felt as though I was there, my heart broke with the people and I was in awe of the way the authorities handled the situation.
THANK YOU for sharing this piece of history with all of us!
What an incredible story. I was in awe of the great restraint that these individuals showed during such an emotional period. I was taken away at the empathy that these policeman and woman showed for thier fellow countrymen and at the same time being able to carry on with such a difficult task. Kudos to bring this story to us.
this is a very moving film that shows a different side of the conflict- the israeli side, their people, courage and emotions, which we hardly ever get to see even in this country.
it just reminded me how rarely, if ever, we get to see the Israeli story close up, men, women, children face to face.
thanks for that.
henry
This film brought tears to my eyes ,because I was watching my own people getting hurt-the people who had to get evacuated and the soldiers who had to evacuate. It really hurt my heart to see such sadness. I think this film really oened my eyes about Israel and what we, the Jews do to make peace even if it is giving up our homes -we're willing to do it regardless of the aches,pains and trauma that will come after it. It was so amazing to see the families in Atzmon acting in such a stong and brave way for their children - Just like the father of Uri said that he even left the sprinkler on in the garden because they'll come back-he did this not to frighten the child.What a heart the Jewish people have for one another ,we are all one body and one soul. If you hurt one of us , we all get hurt.A perfect example of this is the thousands of marchers who marched by foot, car or train to help their brothers who are in trouble and in dire need of their help. I think this film emphasized the love of a nation and opened our eyes to the world around us .
Thank you Am Yisrael Chai May there be only peace in the world .Amen
Vicky Khafif
The film was excellent and very real. It was heart-wrenching. I have 3 daughters who live in Israel,10 grandchildren and a great grandson. My youngest daughter and some grandchildren marched to Gush katif before the evacuation and told me how hard it was on everybody. Of course, now we know it was all in vein and didn't accomplish anything politically. All it did was displace so many people that the gov't to this day have not helped much. People who worked the land and gave us such wonderful fruit, vegetables, flowers and more. What a terrible tragedy for Israel. How can I and my friends who missed this film get to see it? I would love to get the cd of the film. Thank you so much for making it.
Editors Note:
DVD copies of STORM OF EMOTIONS are currenty unavailable.
As born again, Christian conservatives, my wife and I wept as we watched Jews loading Jews onto the modern day "cattle cars." We pray God's richest blessings upon you and your nation. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The difference is, Palestinians are run off to refugee camps with horrible conditions and a gloomy future, while settlers are put up in new homes, given money, and relocated.
I don't get it? They chase the Palestinians out with guns and death, and then place the settlers there, and then make a huge deal when asked to leave lands not pertaining to them? This film was completely one sided, no analysis, a waste. The settlers are part of the invasion force.
Great Movie. I learned a lot. Thank you very much.
Storm of Emotions produces exactly that. This is a tightly-made documentary of an incredibly tumultuous and controversial period in Israel. Beyond all the politics and religious fervor, the film treats its subjects -- settlers, policemen and women, and soliders -- simply like human beings who face tremendous trauma and difficulty, and cope with remarkable resilience and dignity. I found this film absolutely heart-wrenching.
I hope this film gets wide distribution. People should see that the Israeli soldiers are sensitive human beings. It was extremely unusual for PBS to air a program that is so sympathetic to the Israeli Army.
...and the point? Israel uber alles? It is 2007, time to end tribal mentality. It is the curse of the Earth.
What an astonishing film -- so painful and so hopeful. What incredible work by the soldiers and police, all the more amazing for their youth. Uri bar Lev is my new hero.
the program on the evacuations of settlements in isreal is one of the most profound programs i have watched in my life. thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing me that human beings can deal with conflict with compassion, non-violence and strive toward understanding.
Americans need to see this conflict from the Palestinian side, if we are ever to free ourselves of the Lobby. Subsequent events in Lebanon and the occupied territories have shown just how much the Israelis as a people and as a government care about peace; sadly, very little indeed. But the real struggle will be here in America and it starts with asking our media to stop portraying these illusions about Israel/Palestine.