USA: The documentary "Sons of Sakhnin United" follows a joint Jewish and Arab soccer team following their victory of the Israel State Cup

Record ID: 250728

  • Title: USA: The documentary "Sons of Sakhnin United" follows a joint Jewish and Arab soccer team following their victory of the Israel State Cup
  • Date: 9th May 2007
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (MAY 02, 2007) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) ROGER BENNETT, CO-PRODUCER OF "SONS OF SAKHNIN UNITED", SAYING: "Half of Israel thought that it was the most wonderful day ever, that Israel was a great democracy where the champions could be an Arab team, and half the country thought it was a dark time when the Jewish state would be represented in Europe by an Arab team, and that's really where the movie took off and we decided that this was fascinating way to look at Israel and the economic, social, and cultural realities as represent by a team of guys in shiny, shiny shorts."
  • Embargoed: 24th May 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: International Relations,Entertainment,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAEGQOE8Y1E2R4VXNX3ADLQORU4
  • Story Text: Jews and Arabs striving for a common goal can seem unlikely in today's world, but a new documentary reveals how the Arab town of Sakhnin has been united by sport. Debuting at New York's Tribeca Film Festival, "Sons of Sakhnin United" shares the story of the multi-ethnic soccer team, B'nei Sakhnin, and their quest to maintain their status in Israel's Premier League following their win of the Israeli State Cup.
    "Sons of Sakhnin United" follows the team as they battle their way to number one in 2004, and then strive to keep their winning stamina, creating a fervor of love and hate along the way. The documentary's co-producer, Roger Bennett said that a simple game of soccer ignited a passion among Jews and Arabs alike.
    "Half of Israel thought that it was the most wonderful day ever, that Israel was a great democracy where the champions could be an Arab team, and half the country thought it was a dark time when the Jewish state would be represented in Europe by an Arab team, and that's really where the movie took off and we decided that this was fascinating way to look at Israel and the economic, social, and cultural realities as represent by a team of guys in shiny, shiny shorts," said Bennett.
    Sakhnin, a small Arab town in northern Israel, is one of the poorer communities in Israel, and because of its primarily Arab population, it does not receive the government attention and aid other cities and villages get from the Israeli government, according to the filmmakers.
    The team's roster consists of Arabs, Jews and a few foreign players. They can't afford their own stadium and their practice field is not a grass pitch, but a large area of dirt. Coach Eyal Lachman, an Israeli Jew, recognized the spirit of Sakhnin's players - and knew that deep passion could guide the team to achieve their goal.
    Bennett said that Lachman's coaching ultimately led to the team's success. He understood the Arab community, and related to their struggle - one similar to that of his own people.
    Said Bennett, "He talks very much about his respect for the Arab community, how they remind him of the Jewish community in the sixties and that they're trying to struggle for social and economic progress, and he see soccer as a way to bring that about."
    A fascinating look at how hope on the field can affect community change, "Sons of Sakhnin United" proves that with a common goal, unification between Jews and Arabs is at least possible on the soccer green.
    The film will continue to play at the Tribeca Film Festival throughout the week, and Bennett hopes that Tribeca is just a launching point. Ultimately, he says the goal is for the film to be screened in Europe and the Arab world.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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