PBS Frontline and “A Year of War”

I recently watched an edition of PBS Frontline titled “A Year of War: Israelis and Palestinians.” I went into the program expecting political analysis, but instead watched the gut-wrenching and graphic stories of Israelis who lost loved ones when Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023, and Palestinians who lost loved ones in the Israeli response in the bombing and devastation of Gaza. The stories were so tragic, and the images of brutality so graphic, that at one point I almost turned off the program. But it is necessary to look at such violence rather than turn away if we are to deal with it. I found this use of stories compelling, much more so than any historical and political analysis. Although the responses to the mutual animosity, violence and trauma varied slightly among those who experienced it, most seemed to be in a place where the “other” was now viewed as monstrous and no forgiveness or peace possible. I came away with an even stronger emotional connection to the importance of this intractable conflict, and a desire to try to have an impact in some way through FRD’s efforts. This episode can be streamed here.