Exclusive interview with Zone of Interest producer on Oscars speech, Israeli aid to Gaza, rift between Biden and Netanyahu. Conversation with author on forgotten alternative Zion in Texas.
'Zone of Interest' film uses sound to juxtapose domesticity with Auschwitz horror, delivering a powerful Holocaust narrative.
Danny Cohen criticizes BBC for perceived anti-Israel bias, highlighting institutional errors and lack of attention to anti-Semitism.
Growing anti-Semitism in UK post-October 7th impacts personal relationships, fostering fear and isolation among British Jews.
Deep dives
Content of the film and its impact
The film 'Zone of Interest' is a powerful depiction of the domestic life of Rudolf Hoss's family, the commandant of Auschwitz. It portrays the normalcy juxtaposed with the horror of the nearby death camp, using sound as a crucial storytelling element. The film's visceral experience conveys the unique horror of the Holocaust and addresses anti-Semitism through subtle yet brilliant storytelling. Its originality in portraying the Holocaust through a new lens has earned acclaim and serves as a valuable piece of Holocaust education.
BBC Coverage and Criticism
Danny Cohen has been vocal about the BBC's coverage of the October 7th events, highlighting the refusal to use the term 'terrorists' in certain contexts and a perceived anti-Israel bias. He points out a pattern of errors that suggest institutional bias and lack of attention to issues of anti-Semitism. Jewish employees at the BBC have expressed feeling uncomfortable and facing racism, indicating a need for greater awareness and action within the organization.
Impact of Anti-Semitism on Personal Life
The growing anti-Semitism in the UK since October 7th has deeply affected many British Jews, including Danny Cohen and his social circle. Instances of anti-Semitic behavior and attitudes permeating public life have led to heightened discomfort and smaller social circles. The normalization of anti-Semitism has made daily life challenging and created a sense of fear and isolation among the Jewish community.
Personal Response to Anti-Semitism
Danny Cohen reflects on the pervasive anti-Semitism and its impact on personal relationships and social interactions. He shares the distressing experiences of encountering anti-Semitic attitudes in public spaces and the concern about the normalization of such behavior. The visibility of anti-Semitism since October 7th has led to a sense of constant vigilance and discomfort in social settings, prompting reevaluation of personal connections and social dynamics.
The Galveston Plan and Early Zionism
The podcast delves into the Galveston plan, a historical endeavor rooted in early Zionism that sought to establish a Jewish homeland outside of Palestine. This alternative initiative emerged due to the belief that access to Palestine was limited, leading to a split within the Zionist movement. Leaders approached various countries like Australia and Canada for this purpose without success. Eventually, American Jews suggested collaborating with the Jewish territorial organization, and Galveston, Texas became a focal point. However, the plan faced obstacles, and the Jewish settlers in Galveston were quickly dispersed, highlighting the complex challenges of establishing a Jewish homeland.
Rediscovering Family Heritage Through Historical Exploration
The episode highlights the journey of author Rachel Cockrell as she intertwines early Zionist history with her family memoir. Starting as a personal exploration, her research uncovers her great-grandfather's pivotal role in the Galveston movement, revealing the personal connections to broader historical events. Through meticulous investigation and interwoven eyewitness accounts, Cockrell uncovers the forgotten tale of territorialism and its impact. This narrative unfolds the poignant story of Jewish migration amid periods of turmoil, underscoring the lasting effects of past decisions on current identities and family legacies.
In an exclusive interview, Zone of Interest executive producer Danny Cohen tells Yonit and Jonathan why he believes the film’s director Jonathan Glazer got his Oscars speech so badly wrong. Plus: an update on the war, aid and the widening rift between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu - and a conversation with Rachel Cockerell, author of an acclaimed new book about a long forgotten alternative Zion, deep in the heart of Texas.
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