Encounter Point 2006

One notable character introduced early on in this compelling documentary is Robi Damelin. Her son, David, tragically lost his life while serving as a soldier in the Israeli army; he was shot by a sniper at a checkpoint meant to safeguard an Israeli settlement located on Palestinian land. In the wake of her profound loss, Robi joined the Bereaved Families Forum, where she found solace among others who had endured similar heartaches. This invaluable connection facilitated her interactions with both Palestinian and Israeli families, fostering a collaborative environment where they could unite in their shared sorrow. Robi actively champions peace between these two communities and remains steadfast in her efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The film also closely follows Ali Abu Awwad, allowing viewers to understand his commitment to non-violence. After suffering a gunshot wound to his lower body inflicted by an Israeli settler, Ali was transported to Saudi Arabia for critical medical treatment. While recuperating, he received the devastating news of his brother Yusef’s murder at the hands of an Israeli militant. In response to this tragedy, Ali joined forces with the Bereaved Families Forum, collaborating with both Israelis and Palestinians as they collectively advocate for non-violence.

Another significant figure featured in the documentary is Shlomo Zagman, who spent most of his life in an Israeli settlement. Alongside fellow settlers, Shlomo holds extremist beliefs that all Palestinians should be expelled to neighboring Arab nations. The film poignantly reveals Shlomo’s evolution despite the fierce resistance he encounters from his family and his hometown. Eventually, he emerges as a founding member of the Realistic Religious Zionism group. Driven by his convictions, Shlomo endeavors to persuade the residents of his settlement and surrounding areas to abandon the Occupied Territories, as he believes the continuation of these settlements poses a grave threat to Israel’s future.