Culture

Directed by Shlomi Eldar, (5/5).

Talking about Palestine, renowned Israeli journalist and director of this film, Shlomi Eldar says it is “an hour’s drive away, but a world away.” Precious Life tells the story of Raida, a mother of four, the youngest of whom (Muhammed) suffers a genetic auto-immune deficiency which is incurable in Gaza. Raida has already lost two daughters to the same disease. Now in Israel, Eldar and Dr Shomech raise US$55,000 for a bone-marrow transplant that may not succeed. We will later learn that the majority of funds came from an Israeli donor who lost his own son fighting for the Israeli Army. Raida and her family are touched and surprised by the generosity they encounter in Israel.
 
Precious Life shows both the cultural differences and similarities in this war-torn area of the Middle East. Raida and Eldar argue about history, politics, religion, life, even feminism. At the same time we witness the ghastly screeching of the sirens warning of bombing in Gaza and the deathly silence in the streets after they’ve fallen. Muhammed’s world is shattered even before he can realise it. Eldar also asks Raida about Shihadis (suicide bombers) and is shocked by the answer, almost making him want to cease contact with the family.
 
This film is one of absolute compassion, examining life and death in a complex conflict. It sheds light on the current situation, how it is understood by normal Palestinians and Israelis, and the grief and pain Palestinians feel each day. Add to that the pain of being a woman who cannot be assured of her son’s future. “They died a thousand times before me” Raida says about her two lost daughters. This, however, is the reality of Gaza. Lack of healthcare and education and freedom has forced many Palestinians to seek alternative, quicker and more spiritual ways of resolving the conflict.
 
Ultimately Precious Life is hopeful. Dr Shomech reminds us that sometimes dreams come true, and that Israeli and Palestinian civilians alike desire peace. “If Muhammed doesn’t play with my son” Dr Shomech says, “my son will play with him. If not, our grandchildren will.” A fantastic film, go and see it.