Newsroom – California State University, Northridge

CSUN's Jewish Studies to Offer Free Film Screening

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Apr. 23rd, 2009) ―

Who would have thought that a lemon grove had the power to expose the current, complex relations between Israelis and Palestinians?

On Sunday, April 26, the Cal State Northridge Jewish Studies Program will show a free screening of “The Lemon Tree,” by Israeli film director Eran Riklis, beginning at 10 a.m.

“The film was produced as a cooperate effort between Jewish and Palestinian Israelis,” said Jody Myers, coordinator of the Jewish Studies program at CSUN. “It reveals aspects of those social groups not shown in the American or European media. Also, the film makes vivid statements about the Israeli government policy and its effect on the diverse peoples within the Israeli state.”

“The Lemmon Tree” features a widow who takes on her new neighbor, the Israeli Defense Minister, when he decides that her lemon grove poses a risk to his safety and must be uprooted. With the help of a young Palestinian lawyer, she takes her case all the way to the Israeli Supreme Court. Her courage earns the sympathy of the defense minister’s wife and challenges the conservative social values of Palestinian society.

The screening will take place at the Fallbrook Laemmle Theater at 6731 Fallbrook Ave., in West Hills, followed by a discussion led by CSUN Jewish Studies faculty.

“The Lemmon Tree” is co-sponsored by Adat Ari El, Temple Aliyah, Temple Kol Tikvah, Shromrei Torah Synagogue and Valley Beth Shalom.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call (818) 677-4724 or e-mail jewish.studies@csun.edu.

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