Identity and Exile: An American's Struggle with Zionism

A two-part series following Al Jazeera's Matthew Cassel.

In part one, he asks why so many American Jews defend Israeli policies regardless of the cost. In part two, he travels to the Middle East to examine what effect Israel's policies have had on people in the region.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the land continues to this day. How does this contentious issue affect Judaism in the US? Why is there such strong support for Israel in the US irrespective of the issue or cost?  

Al Jazeera's Matthew Cassel travels back to his native Chicago where he was raised Jewish. He talks to local rabbis, friends and family about why so many in the Jewish-American community believe it is important to maintain support for Israel … no matter what.  

And he travels back to Palestine to retrace his steps as a young man. At that time, during the second Intifada, he was shocked to discover the impact Israeli policies were having on Palestinians. He tries to understand how Jewish religious beliefs have turned into a political cause that he does not agree with - but that the US actively accepts and supports.

View the film on Al Jazeera English. 

Part I Runtime: 48:40. Watch here. 

Part II Runtime: 48:34. Watch here. 

Published: May 2014, Al Jazeera English

Winner of the 2014 Golden Nymph for Best News Documentary at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.