Welcome to Hebron

The documentary Welcome to Hebron was filmed during more than three years on location in Hebron, West Bank. 17-year old Leila Sarsour is the main character of the film. Leila is a student at the Al-Qurtuba-school, a Palestinian girlschool surrounded by Israeli military installations and settlements.

A former commander of the Israeli army are among the people being interviewed in Welcome to Hebron. The soldier is sharing his story of daily life under occupation.

The film shows how the occupation affects everyday life in Palestine. Leila is a Moslem girl, but she does not fit the widespread western stereotype, characterizing Arab women as weak and victimized. Leila is strong, intelligent, outspoken and have her own idea of a daily life free from oppression and violence. Leila and her classmates are regularly attacked and harassed by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

In this film Leila is chatting on MSN, discussing Jimi Hendrix with her mother and sharing her vision of a middle east of coexistence and peace.