Lemon Tree 2009

Salma, a Palestinian widow who has lived in her house for decades, finds herself in a tense standoff with her new neighbor, the Israeli Defence Minister, when he moves directly across from her cherished lemon grove, situated along the green line border between Israel and the West Bank. Almost immediately, the Israeli security forces label Salma’s beloved trees as a potential threat to the Minister’s safety and swiftly order their uprooting.

Determined to protect her trees, Salma enlists the help of Ziad Daud, a young Palestinian lawyer, and together they embark on a challenging legal fight that ultimately leads them to the Israeli Supreme Court. As their case unfolds, it captures the attention of Mira Navon, the Defence Minister’s wife, who finds herself ensnared in an unfulfilling life within her new home.

Against the backdrop of their opposing realities, a unique, unspoken connection blossoms between Salma and Mira. Meanwhile, the emotional ties intensify between Salma and Ziad, deepening their bond amidst the turmoil. Salma’s journey—both legal and personal—immerses her in the intricate, often chaotic tapestry of the ongoing Middle Eastern struggle, where each character grapples with their own isolation in their fight for survival.

As the story progresses, the Palestinian plight is largely overlooked, and the narrative culminates in the dramatic separation of Mira from her husband. The scene is starkly poignant as a tall concrete wall is erected between Salma’s and the Minister’s properties, signifying the deepening divide. The final shot conveys a somber reality—half of Salma’s trees have been ruthlessly cut down, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the relentless conflict.