Protocols of Zion (2005)

3 Stars (out of 4)

Hebrew Schooling

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

This documentary by Marc Levin (Slam) takes a fearless look at the resurgence of anti-Semitism following 9/11. Many believe that an ancient document called "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" (widely available on the internet, if you really want to read it) outlines a Jewish conspiracy to take over the world. These same people believe that no Jews were harmed in the 9/11 attacks and that, in fact, Jews may have been behind the whole thing.

Levin approaches his subject with a healthy amount of sarcasm (he concludes that the "Protocols" are fictitious) and does not refrain from flat-out arguing with his interview subjects. To his credit, he interviews people from all sides, from zealots to neo-Nazi skinheads to Arab newspaper publishers and the people behind Anti-Semitic websites. Surprisingly, his most open-minded interviews come from a group of prisoners.

Levin takes his father, Al, along for the ride, and also tries to come to terms with his own Judaism, which he says he never put much stock in. It's not clear how much Levin actually learns from his experience (especially by attending the premiere of The Passion of the Christ) but knowing that these people are out there is more than a little scary.