Watch Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land

Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land is a 2012 documentary film that explores the lives and experiences of gay men in Israel. The film, directed by Yariv Mozer, features interviews with a variety of openly gay Israeli men, who discuss their personal experiences and perspectives on what it means to be gay in Israel. The film begins by delving into the cultural and political landscape of Israel, and the challenges that many gay men face in trying to reconcile their sexuality with their Jewish identity. The film introduces a number of individuals, including professional soccer player Dov Karmi, fashion designer Yaron Minkowski, and prominent activist and politician Nitzan Horowitz.

Throughout the film, the stories and experiences of these individuals and others illustrate the ways in which Israel is both deeply conservative and increasingly progressive when it comes to gay rights. We see how some people struggle with the social stigma surrounding homosexuality, particularly in more traditional, religious communities, while others have found acceptance and a sense of community in more liberal, urban areas.

The film also touches on the political context in which these individuals live. In one particularly poignant moment, activist and former member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) Anat Nir suggests that she would rather live in a country that is openly discriminatory against gays than one that claims to be inclusive and yet is rife with covert discrimination and prejudice. The film also highlights the ways in which some politicians, including Tzipi Livni, have worked to advocate for gay rights and protections.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between individual and collective identities. Many of the gay men featured in the film struggle with balancing their personal identities as gay men with their desired roles as members of the broader Jewish community. Throughout the film, the individuals interviewed grapple with challenging questions about what it means to be a gay Jew in Israel.

Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land is a thoughtful and compelling exploration of an underrepresented community in Israel. Through its varied perspectives and experiences, the film illuminates the complexity of gay life in Israel, and the ongoing struggles and progress being made in the fight for equal rights and acceptance.

Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.