Quicknation, comprehensive information and links about Kedma

Kedma is a 2002 Israeli film directed by Amos Gitai and starring Andrei Kashkar and Helena Yaralova.

The film is a historical tragedy reenacted through the visions of fictional characters. This film shows a part of the Holocaust that many textbooks failed to elaborate on. Set in 1948, the film begins by showing refugees aboard a freight named Kedma, meaning “toward the orient.” The passengers, or should I say cargo, are mostly Jewish Holocaust survivors traveling from Europe to Palestine only days before the division of the Jewish homeland is established. The people are quiet but reflect some feelings of fear, exhaustion, tension, and hope as the boat sails to an unknown and unpromising future.

When the freight stops and the refugees reach shore via life boats, there is mass confusion. British soldiers are firing shots and prepared to arrest the illegal immigrants the moment they set foot on the shore. On the other hand, members of the Palmach, the underground Jewish defense organization, are also anticipating their arrival and are ready to swiftly take the people to safety. Among this disorder people get lost, several get shot, and a few lucky ones escape with the Palmach.

While running and hiding through the desert, the Jews and Arabs cross paths. The Arabs are pissed about the invasion of their territory, and the Jews don’t want violence. However, when fighting breaks out, the Jews who received weapons earlier are forced to defend themselves. In the midst of all this bloodshed and confusion, two really powerful monologues emerge: one from an upset Arab, and one from a Jew disgusted by the relentless fate of his people.