Earlier this week, AMC Theatres released the documentary titled "October 8," directed by Wendy Sachs. This compelling film explores the dramatic rise of antisemitism in the United States, which has surged following the harrowing attacks on October 7, sparking the Gaza war.
The documentary features prominent personalities from various fields, including actress Debra Messing, former Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, and business leader Sheryl Sandberg. Along with their insights, the film captures the voices of remarkably articulate college student leaders who have boldly asserted their Jewish identity and support for Israel, even amid hostile campus environments.
"October 8" paints a stark picture of the alarming connection between Hamas and the wave of pro-Palestinian campus protests since the fateful October 7th attack. It traces the decades-long planning and orchestration behind these protests, highlighting how they have been far from spontaneous outbursts. Through eyewitness testimonies and distressing footage of pro-Hamas rallies across the country, the film makes it clear: the surge of antisemitism on college campuses has roots deeply embedded within organized, strategic efforts.
One of the film's most telling segments features recordings from senior leaders of Hamas discussing strategy over three decades ago. During a monitored meeting at a Philadelphia hotel back in 1993, these leaders recognized the necessity to infiltrate U.S. media outlets, universities, and research centers. They understood the need to carefully coordinate their language to present Hamas and its violent agenda more palatable to American progressive audiences. Their chilling words resonate through the film: "We must address them from a position of rights and justice, and at the same time chose our words well."
The documentary also sheds light on several alarming instances of antisemitism on college campuses. From the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) declaring "Zionist Free Zones"—areas where supporters of Israel are prohibited from entering—to the troubling accounts of Jewish students facing threats at institutions like Cooper Union and Cornell University, the film reveals how education spaces have become battlegrounds for ideological warfare.
At Cooper Union, pro-Palestinian activists reportedly threatened Jewish students, forcing some to barricade themselves within library walls. Similarly, Jewish students at Cornell were warned not to leave their dorms due to significant threats to their safety. These incidents highlight how perceived conflict translates directly to intimidation and violence within academic settings.
The film also channels disappointment and disbelief at the silence from various international human rights organizations, women’s rights groups, and equality movements. On October 7, when Hamas carried out its brutal atrocities, there was notable silence from these entities, which have historically been vocal about justice and human rights violations. This conspiracy of silence extends beyond the Middle East, affecting public discourse and media narratives domestically.
Hollywood, too, finds itself implicated. Sachs and her supporters faced considerable challenges, struggling to secure distributors for the documentary and enduring rejections from major film festivals, which refused to feature the film. This struggle for visibility raises questions about biases against narratives concerning Jewish identity and Israel's position.
The documentary is not just a call to action; it also serves as tribute to the courage of student leaders and commentators who have stepped forward to counter any moral confusion surrounding the anti-Zionist campaign. With their integrity and firm stand against hate and provocation, these "student warriors" embody resilience.
Critical commentary woven throughout the film challenges the moral obfuscation seen within much of the anti-Zionist rhetoric. Sachs and her team hope to inspire vigilance among viewers, urging them to recognize and resist the rise of antisemitism both on campuses and beyond.
For those who may miss the theatrical release of "October 8," it promises to become available for streaming. Audiences and those engaged with these current challenges must not only watch but also amplify the narrative, fostering broader discussions around antisemitism, academic freedom, and the responsibility of all to challenge intolerance.
Encouraging everyone to engage with this important documentary can help raise awareness about the nature and dynamics of antisemitism which has once again come to the forefront of public consciousness.
It is imperative for society to remain vigilant and uphold principles of tolerance, as ignorance and fear are the seeds from which hate can grow. By reflecting on the insights provided through "October 8", viewers are invited to join the conversation on combating hatred and promoting unity.
