Who’s sorry now? Inside Israeli cinema’s Yom Kippur-inspired stories of guilt and redemption

Israeli cinema frequently explores themes of guilt, redemption, and atonement, drawing inspiration from Jewish life and religious thought. This is evident in comedies like 2019's Forgiveness, where a newly pious robber seeks to make amends, and classic films such as Sallah Shabati, featuring a character's poignant cry for divine atonement. Director Avi Nesher consistently delves into personal atonement, as seen in his upcoming film Our Loves, where a father attempts to redeem himself for abandoning his family amidst the October 7 attacks. Nesher's other works, including The Other Story and The Secrets, also examine complex familial relationships and the blurring lines of guilt and innocence. Beyond personal narratives, filmmakers like Ari Folman (Waltz with Bashir) and Eytan Fox (Walk on Water) address national and political atonement, exploring guilt related to historical events and military actions. Women directors, such as Ayelet Menahemi (Seven Blessings) and Esty Shushan (The Book of Ruth), often focus on family and child-rearing contexts for stories of atonement. These themes are expected to continue evolving in Israeli cinema, especially with new narratives emerging from the October 7, 2023, events.