Search - Frontline: The Longest Hatred: A Revealing History of Anti-Semitism on DVD

Anti-Semitism

S. B. Anderson | USA | 02/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A very comprehensive documentary feature on anti-semitism, "The Longest Hatred" not only covers the fact that the hatred of the Jews is rampant, but examines the history of this hatred, as well as the possible causes. We are taken back in history, to Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and the horrors of the Final Solution. The hatred does not stop there, as the film shows.

I found the analysis of the Christian hatred towards Jews particularly intriguing. Christians are generally considered to be more moderate than Muslims, yet it took the Pope two thousand years to absolve the Jews of the murder of Jesus Christ. Even after the absolution, even after the horrors of the WWII, strong anti-semitism persisted in such places as Poland, Russia and Germany. As an eloquent Russian Orthodox priest said - people tend to forget that Jesus Christ himself, as well as his mother, Virgin Mary, were indeed Jews themselves. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the product of the time that Christ lived in. Many forget that the Christian Church itself dealt severely with anyone challenging Christianity. Why would have the Romans and Jews behaved differently two thousand years ago?

We are also shown the battle between Arabs and Israelis, the battle that has monopolized our news broadcasts, and the film makers take us to different parts of the globe to seek answers. Of course, everything boils down to propaganda spewed by an extremist few, who decidedly poison minds and hearts in order to gain domination.

"The Longest Hatred" is an excellent documentary, amazingly level-headed and impartial that should be mandatory viewing for all who wonder how the hatred came about, or even if the hatred is valid. One should know that no hatred is ever valid, as no good can come out of it. But being that we are human, we are subject to these emotions, and the least we can do is try to understand the roots of these emotions. Highly recommended."

Entertaining Education !

Tanya L. James | Kopperl, Texas United States | 08/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a copy of a PBS mini-series, marvelously filmed on location, filled with facts, interviews with "in your face" and "in your gut" scenes. It explains the Jewish/Arab conflict from the very beginning to date and permits the viewer to see the WHY from both sides. It is long for one viewing - but invite friends over, have refreshments, watch the DVD and follow it with HOURS of discussion. Our Bible Study group spent 8 hours and throughly enjoyed the education and enlightenment it provided to our study on Israel. Now when we see the news we know what has preceded the action. I would consider this a must see for everyone who wants to be informed about the confict in the Near East!"

Factual View of a usually taboo subject.

Mr. Lee C. T. Andrew | Singapore | 07/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the better documentaries about a subject Christians usually don't want to discuss as we would need to face up to the truth that we have either done nothing to stop it or contributed to make it worse. A timely reminder to face the hard facts in history that Christians have been the greatest persecutors of Jews and not the Muslims!"

An interesting perspective

B. Sabaini | Illinois | 04/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This presentation was very interesting and informative from a Jewish perspective; especially for non-Jewish observers like me. For many years I have been interested in the history and lives of God's chosen people; to try to understand their culture and why the world has shown them such hatred toward them. This DVD has narratives which point to the Christian's persecution of the Jews - but, more accurately, the Jews were persecuted by the Catholic Church; not by Bible believing Christians.
This presentation should be filtered through a basic knowledge of the Catholic inquisitions in which ALL non-Catholics were martyred for not converting whether they be Jews, muslins or Christians.
Nevertheless, I can feel just some the pain of persecution which they have suffered over the centuries and only wish there was some end in site.
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