Educational Media Reviews Online

Exploring the city of Jerusalem through the perspective of journalists Jamal Dajani (Palestinian) and David Michaelis (Israeli), Occupied Minds, documents the daily struggles found on both sides of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Michaelis believes that Israel should not have a presence in the West Bank or Gaza. Dajani discusses his belief that a one-state solution to the conflict is the only solution that is humane. The idea of a one-state solution is an underlying theme in this film.

Both men visit their childhood homes in Jerusalem and discuss their experiences growing up. Dajani discusses how his home which had been in the family for generations was taken. As Michaelis visits his childhood home, Dajani questions whether he or his family thought about the Palestinians who once lived in his house. As the two men tour Jerusalem the divide between the Palestinians and Israelis becomes clear. Interviews with individuals on both sides of the conflict offer a clear understanding of how both sides live.

The importance of security is examined at multiple points in the documentary. The two men tour the concrete wall that divides Jerusalem’s Palestinian and Israeli populations with the city planner. The city planner discussed the importance of the wall as a symbol of Israeli security. This sense of security is revisited as the two men stand outside a café in Jerusalem. As each person enters the café they are stopped and checked using a security wand. These heightened security measures are the result of suicide bombers which Dajani describes as the only military option for many Palestinians struggling against Israel. From the Palestinian perspective, the Israelis need to feel secure has lead to multiple checkpoints and extensive military presence which oppress their freedom to move around the region.

The film offers a balanced view on this complex issue with Dajani interviewing Israelis and Michaelis interviewing Palestinians. As the film progresses, there are a few comedic moments such as when the two men are talking on a street corner and acknowledge how they must compete with a street musician to be heard on camera. The overall audio and visual qualities are excellent. The film is in English, Arabic, and Hebrew with English subtitles that are easy to read. This film is recommended for all library collections.