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| How 9/11 sparked new anti-Semitism
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Mark Levin argues with a neo-nazi shoe salesman in "Protocols of Zion"
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A new shocking documentary by American filmmaker Mark Levin uses the anti-Semitic tract, the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion”, to uncover a new type of anti-Semitism that has surfaced since the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers.
Released in France in November, “Les Protocoles de la rumeur” draws its inspiration from the words of an Egyptian cab driver in New York, who told Levin that the Jews had been warned not to go to work at the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001.
“It’s all written in the book,” he said, referring to “the Protocols of the Elders of Zion”. A notorious forgery created 100 years ago, the book was supposed to be a Jewish masterplan to rule the world. Long ago discredited as a fake, “the Protocols” had great influence on Hitler.
Marc Levin explains his reasons for making the film: “I first heard about the Protocols during a visit to Jerusalem about 30 years ago. First I thought it was a hoax or a relic from a distant past! […] The decision to make a film about the Protocols was not easy […] Why should one continue to conceal this reality when millions of people subscribe to the ideas in them? How can we continue to bury our heads in the sand?”
Travelling through the United States, he meets the author of an Arab-American newsletter who published the Protocols. He also talks to Mel Gibson’s father who denies the Shoah took place and traces the anti-Semitic history of the United States. Levin is part of the film and confronts these people, refuting most of their arguments like Michael Moore.
Divided opinions
“Edifying and terrifying, these "Protocoles de la rumeur" show once again that stupidity is the most powerful weapon of mass destruction, comments Alain Spira of “Paris Match” magazine.
Writing on www.mcinema.com, Aurelien Allin, says: Levin includes himself in the film and gives an involved and empassioned view which adds to the dynamism of the film. Touching on all aspects of his subject and fiercely questioning religions, he produces a fascinating, vibrant and very tolerant narrative.”
In “Cine Live” Xavier Leherpeur writes : “Marc Levin traces the nauseating path of this renewed aversion of Jews […] Appalling but essential.”
Frederic Ledru who saw the film recently says: «This film is not a piece of propaganda. It is a real masterpiece that makes you think about what anti-Semitism means today.”
Others are more critical. Yasmine Youssi of “Zurban” magazine writes: “The documentary, which lacks consistency, is a disappointment and even becomes a caricature.”
Writing for “Positif”, Laeticia Mikles comments: “Instead of taking an investigative approach, the producer very quickly loses control over his film. Instead of enlightening, he inflames.”
Dorith Bensala, a member of the audience, thought the film lacked objectivity. “The cameraman is Jewish, all the Jews in the film are good Jews. The others are portrayed as baddies. The main goal of the film is to say that the Jews do not control the world, that the Protocols of Zion are wrong. The film is totally prejudiced.”
Another member of the audience, Christophe Fevrard, agreed: “The storyline is all over the place. The end is very anti-Muslim, which is as unbearable as anti-Semitism.”
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