"Dear God, please send more like this one."

A number of years ago a revealing portrait of a great scholar, and something of a tortured mind, was released. Norman Finkelstein recently celebrated, or perhaps bemoaned, his thirty year involvement at the forefront of the intellectual battle for the minds of men and women seeking to know more about Israel, the Palestinians and the ongoing conflict that exists between them. It is the unfortunate reality that this film is unavailable on a DVD that is compatible with viewing in Europe. It is however fortunate that Al Jazeera has posted the entire film on its website for all to enjoy. This film examines not only Finkelstein the man but also examines the trials and tribulations that he encountered following his now infamous clash with Alan Dershowitz (which can be found in the history of this blog from February 2012). What is examined then is not merely an individual but the dishonesty of people like Alan Dershowitz and his cohort, as well as the frankly shameful institutional protection he received from Harvard. I heartily recommend that before one watches this documentary that they examine the history of Finkelstein and Dershowitz's clash. If one is committed to watching more than just the debate then Finkelstein's book Beyond Chutzpah (which was the real cause of the damage and which Dershowitz tried to have banned) is the logical place to begin. There is also a good Wikipedia article on the Dershowitz Finkelstein debacle that can be read here. Otherwise just enjoy this piece for what it is, namely a thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking documentary film.

American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein in Two Parts

Here is a taster of what can be enjoyed in the film. Just to wet the appetite!