‘October 8’ Review: A Searing Look at the Eruption of Antisemitism on College Campuses and Social Media

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As a movie critic, I found myself moved by the deeply personal and compelling narrative presented in “October 8,” an independent documentary that sheds light on the surge of antisemitism, predominantly on university campuses and social media platforms, following the tragic events of October 7. This film, from the perspective of a pro-Israel, American Jewish point-of-view, powerfully illustrates the repercussions of the Hamas incursion into Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives and left 251 hostages in their wake.

In this thought-provoking film, director Wendy Sachs employs a vast ensemble of speakers to convey her heartfelt, if not always nuanced argument. This group includes prominent figures, scholars, journalists, leaders of Jewish organizations, and individuals who monitor extremist activities. The emotional core of the film comes from personal stories, such as a survivor of the attack and American college students whose support for Israel was met with a torrent of online abuse.

The documentary sheds light on a significant matter, however, it’s crucial to note that its viewpoint is biased. The reaction of Israel to the attacks is briefly touched upon, while the interviewees appear reluctant to acknowledge that a terrorist to one person might be seen as a freedom fighter by another. Despite this skewed perspective, the film is still worth watching to grasp the essence of antisemitism, the boundaries and benefits of free speech, the reasons behind the escalation of hate speech against Jews, why high-ranking university presidents stepped down or were dismissed following pro-Palestine demonstrations, and how the Trump administration’s policies on these protests have evolved.

On a single day during the Hamas incident, more Jews lost their lives than during any other time since the Holocaust. Horrifyingly, the perpetrators broadcasted their crimes on social media, where some people, such as those at a pro-Palestine rally in New York’s Times Square and on university campuses, showed support for these actions. A professor from Cornell University expressed feelings of excitement and rejuvenation due to the killings. Furthermore, 31 student organizations at Harvard University endorsed the statement that Israel was solely accountable for the attack.

The question here seems to ask why certain universities didn’t condemn attacks or protests that made Jewish students and faculty uncomfortable, and suggests reasons based on the influence of online information and social media platforms. According to Sachs and her interviewees, the young generation primarily obtains their information from the internet, which can be tainted by misinformation as well as sources controlled by hostile nations. Representative Richie Torres, a Democrat from New York, points out that some social media platforms foster indoctrination and provide a platform for anti-Israeli, anti-Jewish views, often anonymously expressed. Additionally, groups like Social Justice for Palestine (SJP) have been active on campuses, disseminating arguments against Israel’s existence and encouraging resistance, some of which can lead to violence.

The movie suggests that the SJP receives financing from charities linked to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. It delves into a 1993 gathering of Hamas leaders in Philadelphia, which was overseen by the FBI, during which they proposed to portray their actions as related to apartheid and racial discrimination. They understood that these terms, being familiar in American discussions, would garner favorable media coverage and public reaction.

The film underscores the influence and significance of media. The Israeli choice to allow international journalists to observe the devastation caused by Hamas mirrors Gen. Eisenhower’s decision to let the press view the German concentration camps. A New York Times article from October 17, which solely relied on Hamas-provided information to claim that Israel bombed a hospital (an allegation later rectified), is heavily criticized.

Actress Debra Messing, also an executive producer, voices her astonishment that more individuals in Hollywood haven’t explicitly denounced the violence and publicly advocated for the hostages. Her feelings of dismay resonate with actor Michael Rapoport, who finds it unusual to be one of the prominent celebrity figures speaking at a rally demanding the release of the hostages.

The movie is packed with details that can be redundant at times, and its fast-paced editing blends interviews (the ‘talking heads’), news clips, online videos, and chat text. The suspenseful and dynamic orchestral soundtrack by Sharon Farber underscores the main points effectively.

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2025-03-25 01:16