Introduction:

BBYO PRE AND POST FILM DISCUSSION
Introduction:
The film you are about to see, called “Beneath the Helmet,” was filmed over the course of the first eight months
of Israeli military service. It features five soldiers who represent a cross-section of Israeli society. During this
time period, the filmmakers were given unprecedented access to the soldiers both in and out of uniform. It
portrays a process that all Israeli high school students go through when they choose to serve in a combat unit.
The film is unscripted and tries its best to express the thoughts, feelings and circumstances from the point of
view of the soldiers in the most objective way possible. Enjoy.
Screen: Beneath the Helmet- 60 or 80 minutes
A JERUSALEM U
PRODUCTION
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BENEATH
the helmet
From High School to the Home Front
post film discussion
Discussion #1:
The commanders of the unit work hard to create a formal, yet comfortable atmosphere for their unit to learn,
bond and form a meaningful connection to their cause. Many commanders use a tough exterior and slowly
warm up to their soldiers. We even see Ofir make his soldiers work for that personal connection when they
“break the distance.”
After spending time at Harvard University and Hebrew University, Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, brother of
current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, returned to the IDF where he joined the elite Israeli army
commando unit Sayeret Matkal. He rose through the ranks and assumed the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In his
new role, he led a group of soldiers in a rescue effort to save the lives of passengers on a plane that was hijacked
by members of a Palestinian terrorist organization, who rerouted it to Entebbe, Uganda. Yoni took the lead,
charging his soldiers, “After me!” The mission was successful, saving 102 hostages. However, five commandos
were wounded, and Yoni was shot and killed as the first and last man on the ground.
Ask:
Why do commanders need to keep a distance? What can be gained from “tough love”? How do you lead?
Discussion #2:
Finishing high school and starting a new chapter in your life can be an exciting and scary adventure. For many
Israelis, their thoughts do not turn to their future careers or studies, but in what unit they will be serving in
the IDF. They are going from high school to “the home front.” Conscription, or the draft, exists in Israel for all
Israeli citizens over the age of 18, although some citizens are exempt, such non-Druze Arabs. Many immigrants
move to Israel and feel a connection to serve in the IDF and are inspired by the Jewish Homeland. These men
and women without families, like Oren, are referred to as Lone Soldiers. They are given a foster family and a
support network while serving.
Ask:
What does it say about Jewish sentiment towards Israel that there are enough Lone Soldiers to warrant a
program to support them? What would it take for you to join an army? What would you fight to protect?
Discussion #3:
For many young soldiers, creating connection to the Jewish Homeland, to their fellow soldiers and their cause is
necessary to motivate them. With anything that we do in life, we must gain clarity in our drive and understand
our motivations. Eden explains that he wants to give his men “the why.” His men explain that even though they
are from different places – Ethiopia, Israel and Switzerland - they have a shared heritage. They are united by
their Judaism.
Ask:
What does Eden mean by “the why”? Can you act effectively without motivation? What Jewish values define you?
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BENEATH
the helmet
From High School to the Home Front
Discussion #4:
The IDF is full of traditions and history that unite current and past soldiers. The feelings of fraternity and
belonging are strong within each unit of the IDF. This is seen in stories like Mekonen’s, when he ran into
financial issues and his commanders worked to find a way to support him. Soldiers feel a responsibility to their
“brothers” and “sisters.”
[Michael Levin was born in Pennsylvania. He immigrated to Israel and after much persuasion and effort, joined
the Paratroopers Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. During vacation back home in Pennsylvania, the Second
Lebanon War broke out. Levin immediately called his commander to ask if we should return to Israel. He was
told to enjoy his vacation and return once his scheduled leave was over. After contemplating, he went against
his Commander’s orders and took the next flight back to Israel. He knew his place was with his brothers in arms
protecting the Jewish Homeland. Days later, Levin was killed in action. His death inspired the creation of a
support organization for other immigrant soldiers in Israel, and a memorial was built in Jerusalem.]
Ask:
Why do you think Mekonen’s commanders felt so strongly about helping him? What creates a sense of belonging?
For whom are you responsible?
Discussion #5:
As the soldiers are nearing the end of their training, they visit Mount Herzl, a military cemetery and resting
place of the great leaders of the nation, to hear stories of fallen soldiers. Their guide tells them, “I’m standing
here by the grave of Eliraz [Peretz]. Eliraz was killed in 2010. Two brothers from the same family. At the unveiling of
Eliraz’s gravestone, and with this we’ll conclude, their mother says, ‘You can’t return my children. You can’t give me
back my two sons. But how can we keep them alive? Take one of my son’s positive traits. Live with it. And we will live on
through you. That you’ll continue to protect the country; that you’ll be optimistic. We’re not sanctifying death. Rather,
we’re sanctifying life.’ You, us all of us together are a people. We need to learn about our nation in order to value it. If
you don’t learn, you won’t know who we are.”
Ask:
What does the guide mean when he says, “We need to learn about our nation in order to value it?” From where
do your greatest lessons come? How will you serve?
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