UK Premiere: Religion.com

Dirs. Ron Ofer and Yohai Hakak I Israel 2009 I 48 mins I Hebrew with English subtitles

Until now, Haredi newspapers have been forbidden to even mention the words ‘Internet’ or ‘Email’. At his advertising agency in Bnei- Brak, Yigal Revach is encircled by Haredi (ultra- Orthodox Jewish) men and women in the midst of a brainstorming session. In his youth, Yigal aspired to become a religious sage. Today he is trying to initiate an Internet service that, if approved by the Rabbis, will be introduced to the community.

Rabbi Micha Rothschild is a oneman radical underground movement. He posts venomous leaflets in Haredi neighborhoods and threatens web providers to stay away from the Haredi community. He is aware of the fragility of the world view of young Haredi men and the extreme temptations offered by the world outside. For Yigal the Internet is a lively oasis in a society that restricts freedom of expression. For Micha, it is a Trojan horse that might ruin Haredi Society from within.

 

Screening with:

Atonement Day (Kipur)
Dir. Sivan Mor I Israel I 2009 I 26 mins I Beit Berl College Film Department

It is the eve of Yom Kippur, and a young girl cycles carelessly, running over an aging man who injures his leg. How will she make up for it?