The Promised

A documentary on immigration — immigrants, what drives them out, what lures them in, what they realize — is especially timely these days. So there should be global interest in this study of three examples of French Jews driven to emigrate to Israel. How does the Promised Land live up to the promises they’ve assumed?

Of course, it’s a mixed bag. Moving to another country doesn’t help one to lose oneself, nor to find oneself. Wherever you go, as I’ve heard, there you are.

The overall situation is bleak: Increasing antisemitism across Europe, especially in France, makes Israel a desperate hope. Of course, radical Muslim terrorism in Israel attenuates the hope of escaping that in Europe. But at least one hopes for safety in one’s community. 

Marouane is the only instance here of primarily religious motivation, having recently decided to follow his Jewishness. He stands between a harsh reality — the pain of just having been circumcised at 18 — and the myth of Old Israel. He wants to be a shepherd in Jerusalem and live the old kibbutz socialist dream. But his move is impeded by his mental health issues so he stays behind, nourishing his dream. 

Isabelle gives up her Paris theatre career to follow her husband to Israel, leaving their teenage son behind. They also pay a professional price. He opens a pizza joint, she cleans for people, but for all their compromises they’re living his dream. Their experience begins with an infuriating disappointment: their rental apartment proves a wreck and they can’t get either their money back or legal satisfaction. Revelation: some Israeli Jews cheat Jews.    

Valerie is the long-settled Parisienne in Israel. The man who brought her dumped her when his job was done but she stayed. Now she’s a TV star interviewer — but she dances alone. As a gauge of her success, she interviews a dull minor celebrity who doesn’t remember — or understand — what he earlier said about antisemitism in France. 

All three stories are of disappointment. One didn’t get there, one got there with difficulty and the other has been there a while, has established herself, but even she pays a price for her uprooting to find her roots.
     The chorus we hear throughout is that Israel is beautiful, it is a miracle, it is the Jews’ refuge. That’s all true, as equally are the danger and disenchantment that shadow the dream.