Ever Again

This is a film about the rise of antisemitism--particularly in Europe. However, I wonder how effective such a film is, as those who hate Jews would probably never watch it or see the whole thing as some plot by international Jewry. So, this might be a case of 'preaching to the choir'--addressing these concerns to people who already know and appreciate the anti-Jewish tide that has arisen in recent years.

The film is narrated by Kevin Costner, though there really is little narration. Mostly it's made up of interviews of those who recognize the evil of antisemitism and well as film clips of those who espouse or condone it. It's all very effectively put together and compelling. But, there is a recent push to understand and appreciate the Muslim world (not a bad idea) that also seems to be a move, by some, to excuse evil perpetrated by a small group of extremist Muslims. And this, whether people realize it or not, contributes to the hatred and antisemitism that is currently growing. Love the Muslims--hate the Muslim extremists.

By the way, one part of the film was NOT done well. There is a super-brief clip of a dramatization of the "Protocols of Zion" but it flashed by very quickly AND there was little explanation. The "Protocols" was a book of fiction that CLAIMED to be a Jewish plot to rule the world and do evil--and gives many an excuse to hate Jews. The clip they showed but did NOT explain was supposedly a Christian boy who was about to be murdered so his bones could be made into bread!! It's sure hard to believe that anyone would fall for this sort of crazy crap.

This is a very important film exposing the growing ubiquity of antisemitism, not just for the heinous attitude that it is, but for what it means in the greater scope of our global civilization.

Antisemitism is the 'canary in the mine' warning us of a much deeper, more insidious mindset that threatens all of us, whether we are Jews or not.

I was struck at the examples shown in the film that demonstrated antisemitism on the Left. We expect it from Right-wingers, (although this is an assumption that we should not necessarily make), but not from those who are so-called liberals.

It made me think. It made me aware that I need to pay closer attention and not assume that media doesn't have an agenda or that public figures are who they purport to be.

The mark of a good film is one that interrupts your direction and makes you think. This film does exactly that.