Majdal Shams
on the Israeli-Syrian border,
is the largest Druze village
in the Golan Heights.
The identity of the Druze in the Golan
is divided between Israel and Syria.
Their citizenship
is defined by Israel as "Unidentified".
An Eren Riklis film
Majdal Shams, Golan Heights
I'll ask George to fix your hair
like Zbeida Tarwath had
in that movie with Farid el Atrash.
- Which movie?
- She only did one with him.
- She was in many movies.
- But only one with him.
Why are you laughing?
Didn't she look great?
Take it.
Isn't it a nice hairdo?
You can see her entire face.
Let's go.
- Good morning.
- To you too.
- Congratulations.
- God bless you.
Congratulations.
Best wishes Mona!
- God bless you.
Dad is still sad over
President Assad's death.
I hope the demonstration
won't spoil my wedding.
Enough, Mona!
- Good morning.
- Good morning, young ladies.
- How's the bride today?
- Fine.
Revolution Studios, Damascus
Listen! You're speaking to the
Vice-Minister of Culture himself!
Sir, sir... You have
lipstick on your lips.
Go back to work. Go on.
Sir, lipstick suits you well.
What are you doing?
Darling, Jamila,
it's not what you think.
I'm your beloved husband
and you snow me... you
Cut! Cut! Cut!
Stop!
You know me,
not you snow me...!
What's up, Tallel?
Can't you get one line right?
I'm sorry.
I'm getting married today.
What?
Today's your wedding?
Guys, Tallel's getting married today.
- Don't embarrass me.
- Why didn't you announce it?
Congratulations, Tallel.
Who's the bride?
Do we know her?
She's a relative from the Golan.
The Golan Heights?
So how did you meet her?
They sent me a picture.
You fell in love with a picture?
Let's see.
She's pretty.
- She's really pretty.
- Let me see.
She's gorgeous.
That's too much hair.
I asked you to fix it
like Zbeida Tarwath.
Patience, madam.
Your sister is so impatient.
I hope Tallel
and his family like it.
Everyone will love it. You'll be
the prettiest bride in Damascus.
My cousin's a hairdresser there.
The photographer's here.
I'll give you his number.
Good morning...
Sorry I'm late.
- Who's Amal?
- I am.
Hi, I'm Arik.
This is my sister Mona and those
are my daughters Mai and Rama.
Hi, how's it going?
Where's the socket?
There.
Here we go. Act normal.
Don't look at the camera.
Come over here for a sec.
- What's your name?
- Call me George.
Everyone calls me George.
Even though my real name is Ali.
The North Star Hotel, Kiryat Shmona
The flight from Moscow
was too much.
He'll sleep through the wedding.
Is this appropriate?
No.
Wear something more conservative.
Fine.
Ben Gurion International Airport, Lod
Passport please.
Thank you.
Name: Marwan Salman
Nationality: Undefined
Know why it's great
to return to Israel?
'Cause of the pretty women.
- What did you do in Italy?
- Italian girls are pretty
but you're prettier...
Sir, what did you do in Italy?
- Business. I'm a businessman.
- What kind of business?
Trade, clothing, shoes,
perfumes, whatever sells.
- Where did you stay there?
- Hold on.
Hi, I just landed.
I'll see you after my sister's wedding.
Where did you stay?
What's with the questions? They interrogated me
enough when I left Israel.
- Wait there.
- Why? What's the problem?
No problem, just wait there.
Israeli Police, Northern District HQ
Today's a big day for the Druze of the Golan.
The pro-Syrian Druze
might provoke the demonstrators
supporting the new President and
cause a riot which could turn violent.
Therefore we must be careful today.
Questions?
OK, let me remind you there's a
wedding at the Kuneitra border today at 3pm.
No problem, except the bride
is the daughter of Hammed Salman
who's pro-Syrian, out on parole,
and there's a warrant against
him going to the border region. Clear?
Hammed!
When is Marwan arriving?
I need someone to help me.
He'll be here soon,
his plane landed at six.
But you can't rely on
Marwan with these things.
And when is Hattem
supposed to arrive?
If Amal and my daughters
were back, they'd help.
Who'll help me?
Everyone will be at the demonstration.
No one'll help me!
Amin, stop complaining!
Go and slaughter some more sheep.
Ready?
Yes.
One, two, three!
Smile, everybody.
Together!
Mona,
what's wrong?
Did something happen?
Isn't she a beautiful bride?
Yes.
We'll never see her again.
What do you mean?
She'll come visit, won't she?
Why won't you see her again?
I don't get it at all.
I'll miss you.
Film me, I want to say something.
Tallel, when you see this,
Mona will already be your wife.
It's the last time I see her.
We're giving you our treasure.
Protect her like the apple of your eye.
Watch over her.
Congratulations to the bride.
Best wishes, Mona.
The village elders are here.
Go inside.
Hello.
Hello.
Go to your room.
Go upstairs...
Listen, Hammed...
You know how much we respect you.
We've heard your son
Hattem's coming to the wedding.
As far as we're concerned, he's outcast
since he married the Russian.
If he shows up,
you won't see us here.
Dear friends,
Hattem hasn't been here
for more than 8 years.
Today is his sister's wedding.
You know that this will
be his last chance to see her.
Listen, Hammed, you know
how much we appreciate you.
If it were anyone else,
we wouldn't have troubled ourselves
to come.
We'll never forget
what you did for our village
nor your years in jail.
But this is different!
If you prefer him...
and go against our religion,
you will lose our support
and we will cast you out, too.
Long time since you've been here?
Yes, almost 8 years.
Seriously? 8 years?
You'll behave yourself
at Grandfather's house, promise?
Hattem?
Let's go over the Arabic
you taught me.
How do you say
"Congratulations"?
Hallo?
Congrations...
How you are?
You can speak English.
My sisters understand English.
Why? Don't I speak well?
I won't speak at all then.
Try to get some sleep.
You worry too much.
You'll improve with time.
Relax, your parents will love him.
UN Headquarters, Golan Heights
Huge crowds this morning
at the central square of Damascus
to pay their respect to the late President
and welcome his son, Basher el-Assad
That's the way it is.
Bless you.
May God please you.
Greetings!
Congratulations!
Our beloved president Bashar el-Assad
will deliver his speech
from the Parliament:
The Israeli withdrawal
in the 80s and 90s
and the retreat from Lebanon
this past May
proved the importance
of our solidarity...
He looks even tougher
than his father.
People of Majdal!
Come to the village square!
Join the demonstration
for our new President, Basher el-Assad
I'll be back.
Don't worry!
Go ahead, I'll join you soon.
Don't be late, Hammed.
Dad!
Are you going to the demonstration?
I won't be late.
Please don't go.
Your parole terms
forbid you to do that.
Please don't go.
For Mona's sake.
Why don't you let this day
go on peacefully?
We don't want
to visit you in jail again.
I have to go.
What will people think?
That Hammed is a coward?
You haven't slept well
since you came out of jail.
You're haunted by nightmares.
Don't worry about me, Amal.
They can't hurt me.
Join us, the Syrians
are close to our hearts!
Join us, the Syrians
have sacrificed their blood!
Unity, national unity.
The Golan belongs to Syria.
With spirit, with blood,
we'll redeem Bashar!
With spirit, with blood,
we'll redeem Bashar!
Hammed... Hammed!
Come here! Come!
Aren't you on parole?
What are you doing here?
Go home.
- I'm not leaving.
- Don't provoke me. You know
what happens to those who
provoke me!
Remember or
should I remind you, 5002?
You still remember my number.
Even I forgot it. I'm not afraid of you.
I was never afraid of you.
A country of criminals! For 33 years
you are occupying us without shame.
Hammed, go home.
Your daughter is getting married.
With spirit, with blood,
we'll redeem the Golan!
I'll miss you.
I'll be lonely there.
I'm afraid.
Don't be afraid.
Tallel will love you
and you'll love him.
It won't be
like your previous marriage.
It's different this time.
What makes you so sure?
Life with him could turn out
to be a lot worse than my life now.
Perhaps I'm going from one jail
to another one.
Stop it.
You'll have a much better life there.
And what if we don't get along?
I won't be able to come back here.
Stop being so pessimistic!
Stop it!
I'm marrying someone
I only know from television.
At least you knew Amin
before you married him.
Knew him?
I saw him once
when he came to fix our roof!
A week later we were engaged...
A month later married...
And then I was pregnant.
You're not happy.
You were never happy with Amin.
How can I leave you here?
Wow, what a mess.
Do me a favor,
take your suitcases and get out.
What do you mean "get out"? My house
is on the other side of the village!
I don't want these Arabs
to throw stones at my cab.
Mom, who are those people?
Come on, get out already!
We have to get out.
Hold it, hold it...
Did you get me the whiskey?
I swear I was delayed at the airport.
They gave me hell.
Why don't you believe me?
Calm down, relax. Don't get upset.
I promise I'll meet you
with the money in 2 hours, OK?
Bye. Asshole.
Hattem!
Marwan?
It's my brother!
Marwan!
Come on, get in!
Amal!
Mother!
Marwan?
Welcome home, son.
I have a surprise.
Amal?
Hattem!
Darling! Darling!
Meet Evelina, my wife.
Congrations.
And this is our son Hammed.
God bless you, son.
Hattem!
- You look stunning!
- My turn now!
Majdal hasn't seen
such a demonstration for years!
Bashar's speech was very good.
He's Assad (lion) son of Assad.
- Welcome home, son.
- Father...
God bless you, Father.
How are you?
Don't you want to welcome your son?
Come in.
It's been 8 years,
and he still won't talk to me.
I thought he would soften up
over the years.
Maybe you were right.
We shouldn't have come here.
How long can one hide?
Enough!
I'll try to convince Dad.
He'll agree in the end.
Mom agrees, Dad is the problem.
You have to be patient.
I have no problem waiting,
but are you sure you'll convince him?
Who was it? He must have seen us!
Byan, clean out the blood before it
dries. Slaughter the remaining sheep.
No need to slaughter more.
You want people to say
my father-in-law feeds his guests
like he was fed in the Israeli prison?
No way!
- Is everything all right?
- Yes.
- Forget anything?
- No.
Abu-Salim, we need three more tables.
- Where from?
- The neighbors.
Where's Marwan?
Where did that monkey go?
Hello, Salach.
Hammed!
Doesn't Hattem's son look
just like his Aunt Mona?
No, he looks like the Russian...
Want to marry
an Israeli collaborator?
He's not. His father is.
Shut up! Don't say a word.
You're not marrying him
as long as I live. Clear?
OK, let me go back to Granddad.
You're not going anywhere!
Go to your room! Beat it!
I don't want to see you!
School of Social Work
at Haifa University
Marwan, how did you know
my favorite perfume?
Looks like Tallel, right?
Only God knows
if he's a good man.
If my deal goes through,
I'll buy you great gifts.
Amal, I'll buy you a car.
No... I'll take you and Amin to Italy.
- Only without Amin.
- OK, without Amin...
For you Mona, I'll get...
a private jet,
so you can come visit us.
I'll teach you how to fly it.
I'm going to look for Hattem.
And I must go help Amin
before he murders me.
Beat it!
Are you spying on me?!
Don't be angry with Dad.
You know he loves you.
His situation here
is very sensitive.
The elders came today,
threatening to cast him out, too.
And you know how they are.
It makes me mad how much I know,
but he shouldn't have given up on me.
When has he given up on you?
Didn't we grow up
in the same house?
Dad was never here for us.
Have you forgotten?
I haven't, Hattem.
But this isn't a good
time to settle accounts.
You know the Israelis won't let him
go to the border to send Mona off.
Our father is dead inside.
Don't make it any worse for him.
I'm making it worse!?
Try to understand,
for me and for Mona's sake.
Excuse me.
It'll all work out
after the wedding.
Go to our mailbox and if
you see a letter for me,
bring it and don't let
anyone know. Got it?
Mom, I'm going
to Kiryat Shmona.
Don't go to the police.
Your Dad'll be very angry.
He doesn't need to know! If he asks,
tell him I went to buy something.
You know
how much it will please Mona.
I know, I know...
Pray this day ends peacefully.
I'll be back soon.
She's blond,
but she doesn't know
how to slice a tomato.
Yes, but Hattem's wife is a doctor.
She runs a large hospital in Russia.
She probably serves him
hospital food.
All the women wanted Hattem.
He could have married
the best local girl
instead of the Russian.
This is how you slice a tomato.
Very thin.
Hello...
We... and tabula...
Cousin!
Tell the family your uncle passed away.
May his soul rest in peace.
May his soul rest in peace.
And may God strengthen you
so you can face this tragedy.
Hi, Dad. How are you?
How are you, Fahdi?
How are things going at university?
Thank God, going well.
Tell me, son, is the
wedding on as scheduled?
Sure, Dad. Tallel and his family
are on their way from Damascus.
When are you coming to the border?
I can't come.
The Israelis don't allow it.
I can't now. I'll call you later.
- It'll be OK, Dad.
How are you, Marwan?
When did you arrive?
Don't forget to send with Mona
a kilo of coffee from the Golan.
Coffee with spices.
Is everybody OK?
My plane arrives at midnight.
Will Mom be at the airport?
Is she bringing Ginger?
Send my kisses to everyone.
See you.
A fine cigar from Cuba
for my favorite uncle!
If you make it stand on your mustache,
I'll give you a bottle of whiskey!
Marwan, what do you do abroad?
Business.
But what kind of business?
What do you sell?
Whatever comes to mind.
Games for kids,
games for adults. Watches...
When'll you get married? We want
to see your kids before we die.
God willing.
God willing we see your children
or we die?
Marriage isn't for him.
He has many women. French, Italian,
even Jewish!
C'mon, what do you mean? I'll
marry a local girl in the end.
Nonsense, nonsense...
You Druze know
how to throw a wedding.
Hold my calls.
A Druze wedding is the real thing.
Not like our weddings
with the bad food...
Been to one of our weddings?
One? Why not a hundred?
I have many friends in the Golan.
In Majdal too.
Most of my friends are Druze.
Fine people.
So can my father come to the border?
- What did you say your name is?
Amal? - Yes.
How do you like your coffee?
I buy only genuine Arab coffee.
Rafi, two coffees please.
Thanks.
I can't approve it.
Sorry.
It's the last time
he'll see his daughter.
Don't take that away from him.
If not for him, do it for her.
It will break her heart.
I feel for you, truly.
He can't go near the security zone.
What harm can he do there?
Thank you, Rafi.
Drink, it's genuine Arab coffee.
I didn't come for coffee,
I came to ask you for a favor.
You can't stop me
going to the border.
- You're not going there.
- But...
No buts, you're not going,
end of story.
You treat me the same way
the Israelis treat you.
Your brother annoys me.
- Welcome.
- Congratulations.
Thank you.
Hi Uncle, how's it going?
Mom, where have you been?
- Where's Dad?
- He went home.
And Mai?
She didn't return
after the demonstration.
OK, get something to eat.
Mai isn't allowed out.
It's your fault. You're too liberal.
Amin, I didn't come here to argue.
We need to go back to the wedding.
Do you want people to
distance themselves from us?
Amal,
I love you, but I
can't stand the gossip.
"Your wife wears pants,
your daughter loves a collaborator".
Isn't the shame of
Hattem's marriage enough?
- Hattem?
- Yes, Hattem!
You can't even look him in the eyes.
This isn't the time.
We must get back to my parents.
So what are you waiting for?
- And Mai?
- She's grounded.
Let her say goodbye to Mona.
You know how attached they are.
Coming?
Only with Mai.
Amal Safdi has been accepted
into the B. A. Social Work Program.
Mom, I'm sorry I caused
you and Dad to fight.
Now he won't let you go
to university.
Don't worry.
It'll be all right.
Everything will be fine.
And you?
What about you?
God willing, your fortune
will be better than mine.
Don't give in the way I do.
Don't you dare give up!
I've already missed my chance
but your entire life is ahead of you.
Go wash your face
and rest a while,
I'll come back soon to
take you to the border.
But Dad will be furious.
Let him.
Go...
Let me kiss you.
Hello, my sweet! How are you?
Please, enjoy...
How did you find me?
You told me.
Me?
When?
"The place became crowded
and the air thick.
"I feel like I'm choking.
"I feel there's no place on earth
"which can contain
my pain and suffering.
"The apple tree is my well of secrets,
I sit under it and cry. "
I remember every word you sent me.
Your letters kept me going in Russia.
They made me feel I was
still living among you,
kept up-to-date with everyone's life.
Tell me, how are things with Amin?
As usual.
What is "as usual"?
What did you fight about?
Trivial things.
About your studies?
Amal, listen to me.
I'm not saying you should give up,
but there are ways to persuade Amin.
Amin loves and respects you.
I don't know what to say.
We haven't had a conversation in years,
I'm used to writing you letters.
It's easier for me.
What's wrong?
A tire exploded.
People, get off the bus.
We have a flat tire. God help us.
- Yes?
- Haven't you left yet, Joseph?
I'm leaving. What's the rush?
- Did you take the stamp I gave you?
- A hundred times you asked me!
- Did you take it?
- I did, I did.
Check again.
Well?
- I checked.
- Good.
Say, won't we have problems
with this new stamp?
No, these are the new
regulations. It's fine.
If they're the new regulations...
- And don't forget to bring me apples from the Golan.
- OK, OK.
You've done a good job.
- Give this to your men.
- Thank you.
God bless you.
Dad, can I have a word?
I went to see the police
officer in Kiryat Shmona.
Amal, you made a mistake.
You humiliated yourself
and you humiliated me.
I thought it would please you.
I went there for you.
I know how much you want to
see Mona off at the border.
It wasn't easy for me to go to him,
knowing what he has done to you.
Plenty of wishes to the beautiful
couple, my heart wishes them well
Congratulate them
and spread jasmine flowers all around
We'll sing them wedding tunes
Love will reside in their home at night
God bless them with serenity
Soon, it'll be everyone's luck,
loved ones
Let's go.
Congratulations.
Marwan, I'm off.
What's wrong, Dad? Get in.
Don't worry about the elders.
They won't show up anyway.
I know... I know.
We'll worry about it
after the wedding.
Marwan, I'll be right back.
Get in, Amal.
Go without me.
- Where are you going?
- I'll follow you.
What's going on? We'll be late!
It's stuck, I can't undo it, sir!
Let me do it.
Let's go!
What? What's going on?
Just a minute.
You can't stay here.
Drive back. Right now!
All of you, go to the parking lot.
Wow, what a mess...
Congratulations.
Wait here! Wait here!
Wait here!
Don't you speak Hebrew?
Wait!
OK, congratulations.
- Who are you?
- I'm her father.
Her father? OK...
Hi sister, how are you?
I hope Dad came with you!
Don't worry, he'll show up.
How do you know?
I just know.
Soldier, open the gate, please.
Mom, why are you late?
Everyone is already inside.
- Who are you?
- Her family.
Her family... IDs please.
The car goes to the parking lot.
Amal, where have you been?
I'm talking to you.
Amin, leave me alone, not now!
- You can go in.
- Thank you.
I'm speaking to you.
Leave me alone, I said!
Mom, wait for me.
Mom...
They haven't arrived yet?
You see? I told you.
- What happened to you?
- My clothes got dirty...
- And why are you late?
- We had a flat tire.
That's your bride Mona,
and that's my sister, Amal.
- What are you doing here?
- Saying goodbye to my daughter.
You're not supposed to be here.
Come with me.
Where to?
I don't want to make a scene here.
- Where do you take him?
- Butt out.
Marwan, wait.
Marwan!
You raise your child for 25 years
and on the most important day of
her life, you can't say goodbye?
You can't enter a closed military zone.
Military zone? Two caravans
and your Israeli flag?
You have contempt for our flag too?
Your Syrian friends
treated you better?
Go before I arrest you.
- You said he could...
- I said nothing.
- Where do you think you're going?
- To say goodbye to my daughter.
Stop, my dear! Stop!
I'm scared.
You be strong and proud.
Do only what's right for you.
You are Hammed's daughter.
That's it? Did you say goodbye?
Now get in the car.
Everyone step back!
- Why are you arresting him?
- Back!
- You too!
- I'm his attorney.
His attorney?
- Yes.
- Do you have a warrant?
Show me a warrant.
Otherwise, this arrest is illegal.
You're off the hook.
This time.
Tension in the West Bank continues.
Shots were fired at an army post
near Nablus, no injuries reported...
Are you in the Golan already?
Don't forget to buy apples!
OK, OK...
In the Golan, demonstrations in
support of the new President...
- How are the apples?
- Terrific.
- Two boxes please.
- No problem.
What?
Son, is something wrong?
Where are you?
Nablus? They said on the
news there's shooting there.
Are you sure?
I'm worried and so is your mother.
Promise me you'll take care.
Great. Bye.
- My son.
- God bless him.
- Thank you.
- Have a nice day.
- Hello, Joseph.
- Hello, hello.
Hello, have a seat.
Thank you.
Name: Mona Salman
Nationality: Undefined
Mother's name is Samiha?
Father's name Hammed?
Born on November 30th, 1976?
Yes.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Look what I got from the policemen!
- Dad!
- I'll be right back.
Don't worry, Dad, it will be OK.
Welcome... welcome...
Give her something to
drink or she'll dehydrate.
Does he want to eat?
I'm fine.
Two hours, man, two hours.
My sister is getting married.
What can I do?
I'm at the border.
I can't now.
It will take time.
I'll talk to you later, OK?
Amal, relax.
Let her speak!
I'm sorry.
It's bad luck
not to get married
on your wedding day.
What's going on?
Stay here!
- Amin. - Dad?
- Amal!
Bring water!
What's going on?
Why the delay?
Mona?
Aren't the procedures over?
I don't know.
I'm sorry.
It's OK, don't worry.
I'm waiting for you.
The family is dying to see you.
I'm dying to see you, too.
So am I.
Don't you have something to say?
No, I have nothing to say.
I know you read the letter.
Enough already.
You can't stop me from
going to university.
The girls are grown up now,
there are no excuses anymore.
What people say is more
important than what I want?
Do you want people to say
I'm not a man?
That I can't
control my own wife?
Understand me, Amal.
The Israeli army announced
that Nablus is sealed off...
Bring some water.
OK.
Minister's office.
They're connecting me.
No answer. I was cut off.
What shall we do?
- Would you like a seat?
- Thank you.
Worried because you don't know him?
There are no rules for stuff like this.
Marriage is like a watermelon.
You can't tell what's
inside till you open it up.
It's a matter of fate.
Do you believe in fate?
Are you married?
No, I'm not married.
But I believe in fate.
Why aren't you married?
I'm not sure anyone will want me.
I'm fat and I can't stop eating.
You know, food
is sort of a compensation...
Hello?
No, I can't make it.
Find someone else.
Aren't there other
photographers in Kiryat Shmona?
I'm stuck here with the Syrian bride.
I'll find a replacement.
What time is the Bar-Mitzva?
It'll be OK. Bye.
- See you.
- Bye.
What's new, son?
Gun shots?
Are you OK?
Son, I'll get back to you.
Guys, can someone bring
me correction fluid?
Correction fluid?
I understand your pain,
I have children too.
- Here you are.
- Thank you.
Problem solved!
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Thank you, Joseph.
Thank you.
Start singing, Mom.
Congratulations.
Meet my father.
Evelyna...
Beautiful bride...
Welcome to your home
and to your family.
Friends!
Problem solved.
We'll send you kisses with the bride.
Marwan! Send the coffee I
asked for with the kisses.
it comes out of your ears!
Take good care of Mona.
I'll take care of the coff... of Mona.
What's wrong now?
I can't sign something
I don't understand.
This is unbearable.
I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do.
What's going on, son?
- Where's she going?
- She's crazy.
Jeanne, what's going on?