Defamation 2009

Yoav Shamir takes a clever and satirical route to tackle a profoundly serious subject—anti-Semitism in modern society. His documentary not only draws its title from his mission but also emphasizes the unprecedented access he received to Abe Foxman and the New York-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Through this lens, Shamir explores one of the ADL’s reported instances of escalating anti-Semitic sentiments, which leads him to Crown Heights in Brooklyn, where he engages with local black youth in a thought-provoking dialogue.

In a bid to broaden his understanding, he participates in a March of the Living trip to Poland alongside students. This journey affords him a unique perspective on the historical nuances surrounding anti-Semitism. Shamir’s quest continues as he joins Foxman on an ADL delegation to Europe, uncovering the compelling ties between the ADL and the Israeli government’s policies. Throughout his exploration, he interviews two prominent American scholars, Mearsheimer and Walt, who have critically examined the influence of the US-Israeli lobby. Their discussions lead Shamir to a stirring realization—that Israel’s historical actions may be hindering its future progress.

However, this concentrated focus on the US-Israeli relationship, while illuminating in its own right, somewhat overshadows more alarming facets of anti-Semitism, such as the rhetoric espoused by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Through his film, Shamir ultimately provokes the audience to reflect on the complexities and intersections of anti-Semitism today, inviting deeper contemplation on the subject.