Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Defamation (2009)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Defamation
Defamation is a documentary by Israeli filmmaker Yoav Shamir that examines the topic of antisemitism and its implications for Israeli and U.S. politics. The film questions whether accusations of antisemitism are often used to silence criticism of Israel. Shamir, who has never personally experienced antisemitism, seeks to understand the phenomenon and its portrayal in the media. The film features interviews with notable figures such as Abraham Foxman from the Anti-Defamation League and critic Norman Finkelstein, alongside a group of Israeli high school students visiting Holocaust sites in Poland. The documentary presents a critical view of the Anti-Defamation League's reports on antisemitism, specifically a 2007 claim of 1,500 incidents in the U.S. Shamir finds that many reported incidents are minor, leading to discussions about the impact of heightened sensitivity to antisemitism on Jewish and non-Jewish relations. The film has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it trivializes antisemitism and the Holocaust, while others praise its evenhanded approach to a complex issue.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League
  • •See Israeli students tour Auschwitz
  • •Find out about the ADL's 2007 antisemitism report

Did You Know

•In 2007, the ADL reported 1,500 antisemitic incidents in the U.S.
•Yoav Shamir decided to make this film after being accused of antisemitism.
•The film won Best Documentary Feature at the 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
•Shamir found more sensitivity to antisemitism among secular Jews than religious ones.

Perfect For

Antisemitism discussionsIsraeli politicsHolocaust education