From Frank Sinatra’s early pro-Zionist rallying to Steven Spielberg’s present-day peacemaking, Hollywood has long enjoyed a “special relationship” with Israel. In this course, we will investigate and discuss the many ways in which Hollywood’s moguls, directors, and actors have supported or challenged Israel for more than seven decades.

The course will review the complex story of Israel’s relationship with American Jewry and illuminate how media and soft power have shaped the Arab-Israeli conflict. We will aim to come to terms with current American attitudes towards Israel and will look at the involvement of media figures – from actress Debra Messing to director Jonathan Glazer.

Instructor: Rabbi Brian Leiken