THE LOBBY-USA PARTII

Screening 2: Episodes 3 and 4: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 6 PM
Runtime for each screening is 1h, 40m.

The Lobby – USA, (2018), is a four-episode undercover investigation into Israel’s covert influence in US politics. Produced by Al Jazeera’s investigative unit, the film was never aired by the network. Under intense pressure from the pro-Israel lobby, the film was censored and its release was blocked. The film became available after being leaked and posted on the internet by a third-party Palestine advocacy group.

The documentary follows British-born, pro-Palestinian activist James Anthony “Tony” Kleinfeld, who goes undercover as an intern to gain insight into the activities of pro-Israel advocacy groups in the Washington D.C. area.

In Parts 1 and 2, Tony charmed his way into the inner-circle of pro-Israel advocacy groups in D.C. There he discovered a network of organizations actively working to suppress the BDS, (boycott, divestment and sanctions), movement and disrupt the actions of U.S. Palestinian rights advocacy groups.

In Parts 3 and 4, Tony served as an intern for The Israel Project (TIP), a pro-Israel educational non-profit whose aim is to improve perceptions of Israel in both the U.S. and Israel. He observed TIP leaders candidly discussing TIP’s “astroturfing” (fake grassroots activism) campaigns and concerns over polls that show steadily declining support for Israel’s policies among U.S. politicians and the public at large.

Sponsored by the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace – Chapter 46, and the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the film belong solely to the producer and affiliates, and are not necessarily those of the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace Chapter 46, nor the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Our aim is to listen to varied views and encourage critical thinking and dialog around peace and social justice issues.