Youth in Israel Speak out About Obama's Cairo Speech (Videos)

by Maggie at Maggie's Notebook

The following videos feature young Israelis and American Jews answering the question: What do you think about President Obama's Cairo speech?

Language Warning: Strong use of the "F" word and the "N" word. Don't watch the first video if you are easily offended. The second video is a more measured, but mixed, response.

The videos are produced by an American documentary maker, Blumenthal and are moving around the Internet with the moniker "Feeling the Hate in Jerusalem." I'm not seeing "hate" in these videos. I see deep frustration, dismay, fear and a feeling of gross unfairness with the way Israel is treated by the world. While I do not condone the language, these are young people and their lives lay ahead with great uncertainty. How would you feel if your country was under physical assault from all sides?

The first video begins with a young man in a bandanna speaking. Ignore this - just get past it. His response is not indicative of what is to come. His remarks are clearly racist. The filmmakers have been criticized for using "inebriated teenagers." You'll see the difference in response between those clearly drinking and those not, in the second video. Blumenthal says that absolutely no remarks positive to President Obama were edited out.

Here's a preview:

1) You're all about talking to the Arabs," says one. "You're going to Cairo making a speech to the Muslim world trying to get them to love you, what about the Jews, man? What are we, chopped liver? You don't care about us. Are we nothing to you? Do we matter? Do you care if we get driven into the sea? Do you care if we get nuked? Are we even... ugh... do you care about us?!"

2) My grandmother was in Auschwitz, Obama," he adds. "We're not going to take any Auschwitz bullshit! Listen, Obama, my grandma's number was 1268493, I remember her number on her arm, dude. And listen, never again will we deal with this, never again!"

3) Another member of the group stands up and declares, "I worked for the Obama campaign, but honestly, you f**kin' with Israel, you mother, STOP IT!" He stands and points his finger at the camera lens.

Israeli Youth Video




Youth in Israel Video