Minneapolis- Over 180 people attended the premiere screening of Palestine: Why the Caged Dove Sings, July 13, a documentary made by Sabry Wazwaz, a Palestinian American and a member of the Anti-War Committee. Wazwaz traveled to Palestine in 2014 to interview and document the reality of Israeli occupation.

Wazwaz was inspired by documentaries like Five Broken Cameras. He wanted people in the U.S. to see what is really going on in Palestine and felt that he could use his camera to expand understanding. The film includes powerful interviews and demonstrates how Zionism is not Judaism.

After the film, there was a discussion with Wazwaz, who directed and produced the film. One member of the audience asked, “If we assume changes need to be made, what are three things as individuals we can do to make that change happen?” Wazwaz responded, “The way of the change is simple; the majority of the world stands with the Palestinian people, that's why when I was making my documentary, I’m addressing as if talking directly to the American people. There are many people that need to know. Once the American people know, they will make a change. It is up to you guys to know the truth.”

Meredith Aby-Keirstead of the Anti-War Committee added, “We need Congress to stop funding these massacres. We have a responsibility as Americans; we’re paying for these military installments, so we need to change that political reality. People in Congress will only do what we make them do.”

A common sentiment expressed throughout the discussion with Wazwaz is that a lot can be done to increase the awareness of what Palestinians go through on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is challenging our representatives to stand up for Palestinian human rights or demanding the end to the $3.8 billion the U.S. gives Israel in military aid each year, there is something everyone can do to make a change. Wazwaz also encouraged members in the audience to join the Anti-War Committee, an organization that stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and organizes in opposition to U.S. military, political and economic support for the occupation state of Israel.

The screening was held at the St. Anthony Main Theatre at the Film Society of Minneapolis/Saint Paul Screen.

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