Educational Media Reviews Online

Publicized as a film, to explore “the education system in both societies from the ground up,” Lessons in Fear examines how education in Palestine and Israel is helping young people to examine their deeply held beliefs about each culture and their place in society. Although there is fear in the war torn area as expressed by the students, teachers, administrators, and citizens, their voices still speak passionately about the differences of the cultures but also the necessity for education to provide a sense of humanity and understanding of the conflict in the region. One segment features an intense debate with university students from Palestine and Israel as they try to discuss solutions to the war torn area. A second segment illustrates how a student from Israel meets a student from Palestine for the first time only to discover that they have more in common than any differences that continue to be expressed in war.

Scenes illustrating the land, homes, and schools in this Middle Eastern area and music that is haunting and hopeful provide a backdrop for the viewer to listen with heart and to hear the despair felt by many youth and adults but also the hope that their education will begin to make a difference and become “a positive force in Israel and the Palestinian territories.” The film educates, informs, and helps the viewer observe life in two different cultures. This documentary is an excellent addition for collections with emphasis on Education and Middle Eastern Studies. Recommended.