Paradise Behind Bars

Selected Peace groups already filmed:

Family Circle: The Bereaved Families' Forum was founded by Israeli businessman Yitzhak Frankenthal, whose son was killed by Palestinians while serving in the Israeli army. Members are Palestinians and Israelis who have lost loved ones in the conflict. They have held numerous dialogs and taken joint action for peace, and continue to do so, even in the midst of the turmoil now gripping Israel and Palestine.

Machsom Watch: Is an Israeli women’s group, founded in January 2001 in response to repeated reports in the press about human rights abuses of Palestinians crossing army and border police checkpoints Their presence at checkpoints is a direct challenge to the dominant militaristic discourse that prevails in Israeli society. It demands accountability on the part of the security forces towards the civilian estate, something hitherto almost unheard of. Machsomwatchers comprise a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds, with a definite bias towards mature, professional women. The group is politically pluralistic within the context of opposition to the occupation and a commitment to human rights.

Givat Haviva: The Arts Center at Givat Haviva runs an alternative Arts High School program, promotes Jewish-Arab coexistence through the medium of art, and runs integration projects for new immigrants and veteran Israelis. The Arts Center also hosts Jewish-Arab art students, artists and art teachers, from Israel and abroad.

Bethlehem Peace Center: The Center promotes the diversity and brilliance of Palestinian culture. Under the magnificent ediface of Swedish architectural design the center bridges the gap between Palestinians and Israelis.