CUFI’s Israel Collective Releases New Film: “Israeli Arab Doctor Saves IDF Soldier’s Life”

December 9, 2019 SAN ANTONIO – On Thursday, Christians United for Israel’s (CUFI) Israel Collective initiative released a new short film, “Israeli Arab Doctor Saves IDF Soldier’s Life,” now available to be streamed on YouTube.

Through one-on-one interviews and animated drawings, the film strikingly showcases an IDF soldier’s dedication to protect all Israeli citizens, regardless of background or ethnicity, and an Israeli Arab doctor’s commitment to heal the sick and wounded, no matter who his patient might be.

“The message in this cutting-edge film carries such emotional gravity that we decided the only appropriate way to illustrate the story was to literally draw it by hand,” said Raj Nair, Media Director of Israel Collective. “This touching film demonstrates the true reconciliatory nature of Israeli society.”

The short film depicts the story of Jewish IDF soldier Chen Schwartz who was shot by a Palestinian terrorist in Jerusalem. He was rushed in critical condition to Hadassah Hospital where Israeli Arab doctor Ahmed Eid overcame tremendous challenges to save his life and nurse him back to health. Until the film’s production, the two had not seen one another since Eid saved Schwartz’s life. Their reunion, and the genuine love they have for each other, is deeply moving and inspirational.

“When someone says there is no hope in the Middle East, and that peace is out of reach, we direct them to stories like these,” said Josh Ahrens, Director of Israel Collective. “Peace is possible between individuals when both people understand their responsibility to practice tikkun olam, that is, to repair the world through valuing life and healing others.”

The Israel Collective, an initiative of Christians United for Israel, was founded in 2014 by a team of young Christian leaders dedicated to building vibrant relationships between American Christians and the people of the Holy Land. Israel Collective is focused on resuscitating the millennial Christian generation’s understanding and support of the state of Israel by educating the most popular Christian influencers about the US’s values-based connection with Israel.

With more than 7 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.