After the Silence

After the Silence

Two young German film makers go to Palestine where, together with Manal, a Palestinian student from Jenin, they try to find out what really happened on March 31, 2002: Shadi Tobassi, a suicide bomber from Jenin, blew himself up in the Arab-owned Matza Restaurant in Haifa, killing 15 people. Among those killed was Dov Chernobroda, an Israeli architect, who for his entire life had tried to bring about a peaceful settlement between Israel and Palestine. Eight years later his wife Yaël would like to visit the family of the suicide bomber in Jenin. Yaël often uses the word "terrorist" when she speaks of Shadi. And then - for the first time in her life - she is able to say his name: "Shadi Tobassi". It seems to be a part of the process she is going through in her search for inner freedom and for a dialogue with the Tobassis: "Every person has a name", she says. But she cannot imagine looking him straight in the eyes. On the wall of the Tobassis' living room there is a poster-size photograph of Shadi. The thought that she would have to see him on this photo if she were to come to Jenin is unbearable for Yaël. Despite her turmoil of emotions she still wishes to visit Jenin in a peaceful attempt to break down the wall of silence. Her husband would have been the first to encourage her to do so.

Produced by Marcus Vetter, director of the multiple award winning documentary "The Heart of Jenin" (CINEMA FOR PEACE AWARD 2009, EMMY® AWARD 2010 NOMINEE 2010). 

Also available as 52 minute version