born - baghdad
TRANSCRIPT
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BORN IN BAGHDAD
An Original Screen Play
John Mauritz Hummasti
Copyright
2005
1921 Hwy 141
Trout Lake, WA 98650
509-395-2699
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1
The sound of water drips from the interior of a cave. A dove flies
out of the cave near Qumran and soars rapidly into the sky.
INT. BAR –TELEVISION SCREEN— NEWSCAST
A dark haired man in a suit sits at the bar sipping at a drink. His
hat and brief case sit on top of his overcoat next to him on the bar
stool. He glances up from his drink and begins watching the breaking
of the news hour.
ANCHORWOMAN’S VOICE:
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.
Tonight we have a special announcement.
This afternoon the UN announced the “Al Axsa Peace Treaty”
between Israel and the newlyformed State of Palestine.
Following secret negotiations between the Palestinians and
Israelis, the Commonwealth of Antarctica as mediator
guaranteed the UN has endorsed a UN sponsored joint
economic plan as a condition to implementing the treaty.
A prostitute interrupts the man's concentration.
PROSTITUTE
Hi, I'm Mindy; care to buy me a drink?
Mindy rubs the man on the arm as she sits down next to him.
DARK HAIRED MAN
I do not care to buy you a drink. Leave before I
call the authorities.
Mindy
Well, excuse me! Are all Englishmen this rude?
The man turns back to watching the newscast ignoring Mindy. She walksoff to solicit another patron.
Anchorwoman
The parties have agreed to manufacture fuel cell
automobiles and modify existing automobiles to convert them
to use the fuel cell system.
In other news….
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2
EXT. NORTHERN JORDANIAN DESERT. -DAY-
Palestinian Arab walking in the Northern Jordanian desert carrying
what appears to be a goat-skin bag of water slung over his left
shoulder. Over his right shoulder hangs a ruck-sack. A Jordanian Army
jeep rapidly approaches, dust trailing behind in a swirling cloud.
Four soldiers jump out and surround the Palestinian as the jeep
squeaks to a lurching stop. The Palestinian acts as if
this in the norm and seems unconcerned. He lights a Camel
non-filter cigarette with an old Zippo lighter after
struggling to remove it from the crumpled pack.
A soldier asks the Palestinian for identity papers.
SOLDIER
Identity Papers?
The Palestinian complies by handing the Sergeant his Palestinian
passport. The Sergeant looks at his passport and makes notes from it
in a small pocket size notebook.
SERGEANT
You were born in Baghdad? What is your business in this
place where only jackals lurk?
MUSTAFA
As-Salaam Alikum. Yes. Of course, I am an old Jackal. I
travel south to my country, Palestine.
Sergeant
For such an old Jackal you take this kind
of a risk? Here, (gestures) there is no water and nothing
but the heat of the desert. Why such a risk? Are there no
buses from where you come?
Mustafa
I am but a poor peasant. I am a simple vegetable farmer.
The Yisraelis took my parents land (he gestures violently
into the air with one hand) and now a settler’s city sitson it.
I cannot afford a bus from Al Mafraq to Palestine City. How will I
feed my children, otherwise?
CONTINUED
CONTINUED 3
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Sergeant
Open the ruck-sack.
The Sergeant motions for a Private to check the water bag for any
concealed items. Indifferently the private feels the water-bag.
Mustafa places the ruck-sack on the ground.
Mustafa opens the sack, removing the contents which reveals
little worth mentioning in their report. As a Palestinian-Muslim,
Mustafa reverently clutches a worn copy of the Quran. The Sergeant
non-nonchalantly gestures for the Quran. (While flipping through it…)
Sergeant
You travel from Al Mafraq ? What is your
business there?
Mustafa
I was to arrange a marriage between my daughter
and a cousin’s friend. Could nothing else bring such joy?
Mustafa smiles with a leathery, worn out look on his face.
The Sergeant indifferently hands Mustafa his Quran back.
The Sergeant motions to the Private with a single gesture of his hand
inquiring if he has found anything. The Private shakes his head no.
The Sergeant motions the Private to the side with a jerk of his head.
Sergeant
Shall we give the old Jackal a ride further
south?PRIVATE
I think that if we do the Palestinians shall ask for a lift
every time they travel if word should spread.
Sergeant
Yes, of course you are probably right. Well, no
harm…. We know where to find him. In any event….
Mustafa relights his cigarette. The Sergeant makes a gesture for him
to repack his ruck-sack. Mustafa does so.
CONTINUED
CONTINUED 4
Sergeant
His Majesty's Kingdom offers a reward for your struggles
against the Yisraelis. Perhaps you want a ride south?
Mustafa
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I am used to traveling in the desert.
(Smiling)
After all, I am an Old Jackal, right?
The soldiers climb into the jeep and drive off with a puffy cloud of
dust engulfing Mustafa.
Mustafa
(To No One)
Allahu akbar . I am safe thus far. When I am near Qasar al
Abd I will not carry such a heavy burden alone. Soon I will
be near Az Zarqa.
EXT. WESTERN JORDANIAN DESERT. –NIGHT-
A camp fire burns brightly in the night. The glow of the camp fire
provides a backdrop of the silhouettes of six Palestinians as they
approach Qasar al Abd in ones and twos.
SAMIUncle, you have water for this thirsty soul?
Mustafa
Ah, a thirsty dog in search of dirty water.
Sami
Uncle, the water you carry is very heavy.
I have come to lighten your burden.
Mustafa
Come Nephew, join our camp.
Shuha and a very pregnant Tali having their heads covered with the
traditional hijab begin to prepare some food and tea while the others
talk quietly.
CONTINUED
5
CONTINUED
Mustafa
Did you learn well at the Madrasa?
Sami
Of course, my Uncle. We are Falistini;
we would not have come, otherwise.
MUSA
Our lessons went as expected. They were hard
concepts to grasp but we learned them well.
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Mustafa
Ah but you are the best and brightest of all
my students. I should expect no less from each one of you.
Foreign university trained all of you. Uncle would have
been affectionately proud of each of you.
While each one makes a whudu with desert sand as a substitute for
water, Shuha serves pita bread and hummus as Tali pours tea for all
to drink. After they have done so they make whudu and eat by
themselves.
Sami
And why should Uncle have been proud of us.
Are we not just doing our duty as faithful Muslims?
Mustafa
But this is different. We all here are on a
special mission to free the waqf of theZionist invaders.
Sami
This is not different, my Uncle. It is the
duty of all Muslims.
Mustafa
It is different because each of you has now
entered the true struggle against our enemies, made the
hajj, and are committed to becoming, if necessary,
shahidis!CONTINUED
CONTINUED 6
Sami
We have only been faithful to the words of the Prophet and
the Quran?
Mustafa smiles, silently says thanks for the food and eats.
Mustafa
You have all taken courage and found inner strength. Thisis your reward and salaam.
Sami
Shukran, my Uncle. Now I understand the
lessons from the Madrasa.
EXT. STREET FRANKFORT, GERMANY. –DAY-
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A group of Skin-Heads in Frankfurt, Germany are marching in the
street. Anti-Nazi protesters throw bottles and other objects. Riot
police avoid getting pelted by using their shields. LOUD droning by
marchers, “Sieg Heil,” (with open arm salute led by leader) countered
from other half by, “Heil Hitler!” Police restrain the skin-heads
from breaking into the on-looking crowd. The leader of the skin-heads
is shot in the leg by a counter protester and falls to the street.
INT. HOSPITAL. –DAY-
A Skin-head, Hans gets out of bed at a hospital with a cast on his
leg. Conversation between fellow skin-heads quietly ends as
HANS
(shouts with a raised arm)
Seig Heil!
Laughter breaks out amidst the men.
HansWilhelm, I have an errand for you!
Wilhelm
(Imitating Sgt. Shultz of Hogan's Hero's)
Ya-vo Mein Furher !
He raises his hand in a semi-Nazi salute. More laughter.
7
INT. NEO-NAZI ROCK BAR
Hans sitting at a table in the corner; orders another beer by raising
his hand. Seated at the table with him is a fellow Neo-Nazi, Wilhelm.
Hans
I want you to go deliver a message to
Muhammad Yassin at the Lebanese Arab
Restaurant, Sabri.
Go change your clothes and dress
appropriately.
WILHELM
What’s wrong with my clothes?
Hans
Show some respect to these men your about
to meet. Give them this envelope.
This is serious business that's why I'm
sending you. Act accordingly.
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Do not leave there without the return package
for me. It will say "Qumran Codes."
They hold a brief whispered conversation.
EXT. EAST BANK JORDAN RIVER –DAY-
On dunam after dunam of land a variety of vegetables and
fruits grow in the fertile soil. Truck load by truck load produce
leaves the fields for the open markets of the villages and cities of
Jordan.
Rabbi David Kohen walks amidst the trucks and workers observing the
method whereby his investment is producing capital. He is a swarthy
looking man that can easily pass for an Arab. David is dressed in
jeans, and a short sleeve shirt. On his head a green and white kuffi
rests helping him to blend into the mix of produce workers and truck
drivers. He approaches a worker and in perfect but rapid Arabic
RABBI DAVID A KOHEN
A’Salaam Alikum. How much for land here?CONTINUED
8
CONTINUED
R. Kohen
I know American investors who wish to
purchase land.
JORDANIAN WORKER
Wa Alikum Salaam. I am Sa'ad. Your American
investors, they are all Muslims? If not,(beat) well, nearly impossible to buy land
here. Perhaps over there on the West Bank...
Sa'ad points west towards the Jordan River.
Sa'ad
(Gesturing)
I must work....
With Sa'ad's voice trailing off amidst the other workers Kohen slowly
walks down the rows of workers politely asking the same questionwithout obtaining a direct answer. After about a half an hour he
departs in a produce truck bound for the Jordan River Border
Crossing. The truck is loaded with crates of car`a, a light greenish
yellow type of squash used to produce a popular Middle Eastern meat,
rice and tomato dish.
EXT. SABRI RESTAURANT –DAY-
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Wilhelm enters Sabri Restaurant.
INT. SABRI RESTAURANT –DAY-
Shatilla, the owner greets Wilhelm.
SHATILLA
As Salaam Alikum. Welcome. This way.
Shatilla gestures towards the dining tables. Wilhelm follows his host
to a window table. Soon a waiter approaches with a menu. Wilhelm
quickly chooses and orders. When he is served Turkish coffee, he
whispers to the waiter for Muhammad. The waiter walks briskly to
Shattila and they whisper with heads bowed. The waiter gestures
towards the kitchen where Muhammad is working.
CONTINUED
9
CONTINUED
Wilhelm sips his coffee at the table.
Muhammad exits the kitchen and approaches Muhammad's table.
MUHAMMAD
Something is wrong with the coffee,
perhaps too little water?
Wilhelm
(Gestures with the cup raised)
Ahh. It is just fine.Sometimes there is never enough water in the coffee. I once
had coffee in Jordan.
Muhammad
In Jordan they serve it too strong.
In Iran the coffee is much better.
Wilhelm
Perhaps you can recommend a brand from
Iran?
Muhammad
I will bring you a sample.
Wilhelm
Don’t trouble yourself. I will come to
the kitchen door-way after I use the wash
room.
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Muhammad
As you please.
Muhammad returns to the kitchen. After his food is served Wilhelm
eats some. He then uses the W.C. and goes to the kitchen door-way. He
stands to one side as he opens the door slightly to conceal his
removing the envelope in his suit coat upper inside pocket. Muhammad
approaches the door. Wilhelm hands Muhammad the envelope. Muhammad
takes the envelope. Muhammad stuffs the envelope down the front of
his pants and hides it with his kitchen apron.
CONTINUED
10
CONTINUED
WilhelmThe coffee couldn’t have been better.
Muhammad smiles and hands Wilhelm a small envelope in return. Wilhelm
glances at the title of it and stuffs it in his suit coat inner
pocket and thanks Muhammad in Farsi. Muhammad says thank you and good
bye in Farsi.
Wilhelm
Shukran.
Muhammad
Ahfwan. Kodah Hafaz.
Muhammad and Wilhelm shake hands. Wilhelm returns to his table,
finishes his meal, pays by leaving the money on the table and
departs.
EXT. LONDON MOSQUE. –DAY- SUPERIMPOSE:
Call for prayer from Mezzanine draws the attention of non-Muslim
tourists. Muslim men and women are entering the Mosque for Friday
afternoon prayer. Men and some women greet one-another with the
traditional “A’salaam Alikum wa ra’a tu’ullah;” and cheerfulresponses in kind, “Wa Alikum sa’laam!”
INT. London Mosque –Day-
An echoing sermon begins by the Immam. He begins by speaking of the
zamzam water that Hagar found in the desert and the salvation it
brought for her, Ishmael and even the whole of the Arab tribes of
Arabia.
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IMMAM
Hagar found water and saved Ishmael. Today
our Brothers in Palestine discovered a
great cache of water in the Sinai Desert.
This will free them from the Yisraelis.
As you know, water in the Middle East is the
source of many riches and much contention
between those native to the Land.
CONTINUED
11
CONTINUED
Immam
I am here to bear witness that our Faithful Muslim brothers
in Palestine have begun the course to end all contention
for Water inthe Land of our Father, Ibrahim.
That contention is almost over. In a short
period of time we will have over-come the Yisraelis.
Those present in the congregation begin shouting, “Allahu Akbar!” The
Immam persuades them to restrain themselves
while he finishes his sermon.
IMMAM
The Nasri (Christians) claim that Isa
(Jesus) changed water into wine. We knowthat the Peoples of the Books have tampered
with the Christians’ teachings about Isa so
we will refrain from making much argument
about the water and wine of the Wedding Feast.
As you know, the Palestinians have struggled
long and hard for their freedom. They asked
for no miracles. The Quran expects no miracles from the
Ummah. The State of Palestine is
THE MIRACLE.
We once heard about a “Third Intifada.” Where is it? I
assure you we need no Intifada.
INT. SYNAGOGUE Shaarie Tzion Portland, Oregon
Ark is opened by drawing the two sides of the curtain veiling the
Torah Scroll to the right and left simultaneously as the Shamash
pulls the curtain aside. Rabbi, Kantor and Shamash (Third Person-
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Servant of the Synagogue) chant the Shema.
RABBI, KANTOR, (and) SHAMASH
(ALL THREE SIMULTANIOUSLY)
Shema, Israel Adonoy Elohanu Adonoy Echad!
CONTINUED
12
CONTINUED
Kantor and Others then read from the Torah Scroll followed by the
Rabbi’s Drash (sermon on the weeks Torah portion).
R. Kohen
(In Rapid English)
We read from this weeks’ Torah portion that in
every city you shall establish Courts of justice. What
does this verse come to teach us?
SHLOMO (The Kantor)
This verse teaches that we are to establish Courts of Law
to enforce the Torah.
R. Kohen
Does it really? Is there not another
teaching? Naveh?
NAVEH
Maybe it is teaching us to be the best
example of justice for all non-Jews to
emulate?
R. Kohen
Anyone else? (Beat) Well, this verse uses
an interesting verb in which the context
is implying a prophetic tense.
It is implying that we Jews will one day
establish justice for all human beings.
Shlomo
(Privately to Rabbi)
Rabbi those are not the words of the Mishneh.Maimonides writes that we have an obligation to
establish Courts in every City.
In that way we will prohibit that which is forbidden and
allow that which is permissible.
We are not to add to or take away from those words. We should talk.
Let’s finish….
R. Kohen
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(Privately to Shlomo)
Maimonidies wrote many things. We'll talk later.
13
EXT. PALESTINE CITY – SHORES OF YAM MALAK (DEAD SEA) NEAR JOINT
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CHECK POINT –DAY-
Mustafa's group of Palestinians approach Palestine City and stop to
quickly discuss further plans before they all break up into pairs or
singles to allow for easier and more secure passage through the joint
Israeli-Palestinian security checkpoint.
Mustafa
We must all be brave. We are committed
to freeing Palestine from all non-Islamic
cultural values and influences. The danger to all
of us grows greater as we draw closer to home.
Sami
Uncle, you are very troubled. Please,
let us help you….
Mustafa
Sami, my nephew; if you wish to ease my
burden then please take this Quran.
Many secrets are contained within it. Please guard it well;
with your life if necessary.
Musa
Shukran, Uncle. We will guard it well.
Mustafa
(Tapping Water Bag)
It is this water which our group hopes
to use against the Zionists.
You know what it contains.
We will wipe out those European foreign
invaders of the waqf given to the Umma
by Allah!
INT. PALESTINIAN SECURITY CHECK POINT –DAY-
Mustafa, standing in line is directed forward, searched and
instructed with an indifferent gesture to proceed through the metal
detector. He carries his water bag through the metal detector as if
it is exempt from the x-ray machine.
CONTINUED
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14
CONTINUED
As the detectors buzzer goes off Mustafa holds his Zippo lighter
aloft. Suddenly near the end of the line of Palestinians, commuters,
tourists, and journalists a commotion erupts in virulent Arabic.
All heads and eyes turn towards the voices causing the commotion.
Sami’s voice is the loudest.
He is (under a ruse), creating a disturbance to allow Mustafa time to
escape detection and exit the checkpoint.
In reaction, Mustafa wears a shocked expression on his face for a
brief moment. He exits the check-point without drawing attention to
himself. He merges with the pedestrian traffic on Sadat Avenue. The
guards have not noticed that he departed. A security camera recordshis departure.
EXT. SADAT AVENUE –PALESTINE CITY- DAY
Mustafa starts to hail a yellow and green taxi when the sound of a
burst of automatic rifle shots penetrates the noise of traffic near
the busy open market (shuk) of the city. The taxi driver stops. He
wears a green baseball cap.
Slowly a stream of tears trickles down Mustafa’s cheeks as he climbs
into the taxi. The taxi speeds off into traffic.
A checkpoint guard rushing out into traffic incessantly blows a
whistle for the taxi to stop. The taxi continues.
INT. CHECK POINT
A soldier seizes the Quran Sami was carrying that is lying in a pool
of blood. Nearby Sami lies motionless in the silence of death. An IDF
Soldier stands to one side looking around at everyone and rests his
gaze on Sami.
The District Commander of the Palestinian Security Forces arrives and
inquires of a journalist as to what happened.
15
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COMMANDER
Your Passport please. What did you see?
The Journalist hands the Commander his passport. The commander opens
it, reads the personal information page, compares the photo to the
journalist and writes quickly in a pocket sized notebook.
JOURNALIST
The IDF Soldier was arguing with the
Palestinian over searching the Quran without
reverence. His rifle was slung over his
shoulder facing downwards. He was gripping it by
the trigger handle.
Commander
What else happened? Did they struggle? Did
the soldier hit the Palestinian with the
rifle?
Journalist
No. The Palestinian grabbed for the Quran.As the Soldier backed away he was looking at the
Quran and the rifle went off. The force, as unexpected
as it must have been raised the weapon higher and he
shot the Palestinian. It must have been an
accident.
Commander
Did you see anything else?
Journalist
I saw the surprised look on the soldier'sface when the rifle went off.
The Commander walks over and arrests the IDF Soldier.
INT. Tel Aviv Disco Mike’s Place BBC News Flash –DAY-
Cigarette smoke spirals towards the ceiling from an ash tray
overflowing with Marlboro cigarettes. Dark haired man sits alone in
the bar drinking beer from a glass. A pitcher sits next to his glass.
Between empty glasses neglected by the bartender sits a pack of
Marlboros. Dark Haired Man ignores his burning cigarette.
The bar tender yells at him (in Hebrew) that he will burn the place
down. Dark Haired Man ignores the bar tender.
16
BAR TENDER
What is this? You want to burn the place
down?
Dark haired man shushes the bartender with a wave of his hand.
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Dark Haired Man
SHHHHHHHHH. The BBC. It's the news hour.
The bartender grabs a waste can with a scowl on his face and brushes
all the cigarette butts into it after emptying the ash tray into the
waste can.
BAR TENDER
All you had to do is ask. I would have
emptied it for….
Dark haired man turns to the bartender in anger. He violently
gestures to the bartender and then towards the television sitting
high on the wall.
Dark Haired Man
SHHHHHHHHH. I pay you to empty…. The news!
ANCHORWOMANGood afternoon. The UN has just announced
the establishment of a Middle East UN
Regional Human Rights - Terrorism Court in East
Jerusalem.
The first three defendants to be tried
under international law are the recently
arrested Mustafa Walid Ajun, Musa ibn
Radwan and IDF soldier, Shmuel Ben-Reuden.
The charges will be read later in the weekwhen the defendants are formally arraigned.
In other news Messianic Jews have filed a….
Int. UN Courtroom East Jerusalem-
The judges read the charges that have been filed against
two of the defendants.
Justice Dyer
UN Case No. 08-CR-001 AND 002-EJ/D-H-R.
CONTINUED17
CONTINUED
United Nations, Petitioner vs. Mustafa
Walid Ajun and Musa ibn Radwan, Defendants.
JUSTICE DYER
Defendant Ajun, stand in the dock.
Mr. Ajun you have been formally
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charged with violating international
law.
The charges are Conspiracy to Commit
Genocide, Smuggling Nuclear Materials,
Membership in a Criminal Organization
and Possession of Literature Prohibited by the Anti-
Terrorism Ordinance.
Have you consulted counsel? How do you plead?
Carefully consider your response.
Mustafa’s family enters the Courtroom along with Sami’s wife and son.
Sami's son looks around in wonder at the high walls and portraits of
prominent figures of Middle Eastern history. Mustafa follows his
gaze. Mustafa focuses on the portrait of Moshe ben Maimon,
(Maimonides) the great Jewish physician, codifier and philosopher.
MustafaI do not recognize this Court. As a faithful
Muslim I can only be tried under shaaria. I
do not plead. I have consulted counsel.
That is all I have to say to this Court.
Shocked at his response, Mustafa’s wife gasps.
JUSTICE HATIB
Defendant Ibn Radwan, stand in the dock.
Mr. Ibn Radwan, you have been formally
charged with Conspiracy to Commit Genocide,membership in a criminal organization and
providing material support in furtherance
of the aforesaid conspiracy.
Have you had an opportunity to consult with counsel?
How do you plead? I hope you will consider your
response.
CONTINUED
CONTINUED 18
MusaI like my Uncle am a faithful Muslim.
I do not recognize this Court and have
spoken all I wish.
Justice Hatib
Mr. Ibn Radwan. You realize your family
is present and has petitioned the Court
in your behalf claiming your torture is
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a violation of Human Rights accords?
Musa remains silent and looks over at his family with a look of
sadness. His son looks then turns away crying, and buries his face
into the lap of his mother.
Justice Dyer
UN Case No. 08-CR-003 EJ/D-H-R.
United Nations, Petitioner vs. Sgt.
Shmuel Ben-Reuden, Defendant.
JUSTICE JUDITH ROSEN
Sgt. Shmuel Ben-Reuden, stand in the
dock. Sgt. Ben-Reuden, you have been
formally charged with a violation of
international law. Do you wish the
indictment to be read openly?
SHMUEL BEN-REUDENFor the record Ma’am, I waive reading the
indictment. I wish to enter my plea at this time.
Guilty on the advise of Counsel. I was indifferent and
negligent….
Justice Rosen
Sgt. Ben-Reuden, you realize this is a
very serious matter? I advise you to
reconsider.
A commotion in the spectator’s galley erupts. Spectators try to shushone hijab veiled woman who clutches for her son’s hand as she quickly
stands. Surprised at the plea, Sami's wife covers her face with her
hands and raises them towards the ceiling palms upward and her hands
together. She alternately kisses her fingers and raises them toward
the ceiling. CONTINUED
19
CONTINUED
SAMI’S WIFE
(shouts repeatedly)
Allahu Akbar ! Allahu Akbar !
Ben-Reuden
I have entered my plea. Proceed your
honor.
Justice Rosen
As you wish. We remand Defendant Ben-
Reuden to the custody of the UN for
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further proceedings at a time to be determined by the
Clerk of the Court.
Justice Dyer
We also have a petition to review that
was filed by Rabbi David A. Kohen against the Israeli and Jordanian
governments claiming the historical, ancestral right to settle on the
east bank of the Jordan River.
EXT. Streets of East Jerusalem -DAY-
Arabs bearing Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian flags march in the
streets protesting for and shouting demands for the release of
Mustafa and Musa.
INT. Apt. Building Frankfort, Germany -NIGHT-
Police pound on the door of apartment number 214 where neo-Nazi
Wilhelm Schmidt is sleeping with his girlfriend.
Wilhelm waking at the sound of pounding grabs a pistol and rushes
stark naked to open the door. He raises the pistol, but freezes
several meters from the door. With a burst from a battering ram the
door is broken through and police in full riot gear storm the room.
The door knob crashes to the floor. Hallway light blinds Wilhelm's
vision. He turns his head to avoid the light. As he does so the
officer with the battering ram takes a step towards him and raises
the ram over his head to strike Wilhelm if that is necessary.
CONTINUED
20
CONTINUED
POLICE SERGEANT
You’re under arrest!
Wilhelm slowly lowers the pistol he holds raised in a police stance.
Finally he sets it on the floor and places his hands behind his head.
He stands with legs wide apart.
A police officer handcuffs him. Another throws him a pair of pantsthat are folded across the back of a chair.
Wilhelm struggles to put them on. When he has succeeded his
girlfriend clutching her robe shut walks through the bedroom door
crying.
INT. BET YA’ACOV MESSIANIC Y’SHIVA (SEMINARY) NAZARETH, ISRAEL –DAY-
Bright sun light shines through the open windows of the religious
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academy. The door is wide open. Rabbi David A. Kohen is studying with
a student. Texts of Talmud and
history lay scattered on the table between R. Kohen and the student
the pages stuffed with assorted items marking the places relegating
their current study.
Against one wall is a filing cabinet, computer desk, a computer,
chair and a very tall bookcase full of books stands guard over the
computer. Near the back of the Y'shiva a lectern and several rows of
narrow tables sit interspersed with hard, wooden benches.
The discussion between Rabbi Kohen and the student is occasionally
interjected with somewhat wild gestures, flailing of the arms and
pointing gestures commonly seen in Jewish academies as a means of
expression.
R. David
I do not understand how Weizman makes a
case here. There is logic in the final analysis to hisposition but he cannot be
right! Can he?
STUDENT
The Dead Sea Scrolls mentions Pella.
Also there is the matter of Qasr al Abd , the Castle of
the Slave.
21INT. BAR –WASHINGTON, DC — BBC NEWSCAST –DAY-
Dark haired man in a suit sips at a drink. He glances up from it and
begins watching the breaking of the news hour.
ANCHORWOMAN’S VOICE:
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.
Tonight we announce the arrest of Wilhelm
Schmidt a neo-Nazi. His arrest comes as part of an
investigation into a ring of smugglers profiteering in
nuclear materials and technology.Schmidt was involved in a plan to
develop and detonate a nuclear device in
Tel Aviv.
EXT. NEAR EAST JERUSALEM UN REGIONAL COURT –DAY-
Television reporters wait on Nablus Road with camera operators at
their sides. Arabs and Mizrachi Jews in various groups stand in the
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street discussing in Arabic the potential outcome of the petition
Rabbi Kohen has filed with the UN Court.
Rabbi David A. Kohen arrives in a Nesher Taxi. As he exists carrying
a briefcase the reporters and camera operators engulf him in a sea of
bodies.
Police in riot gear stand at bay to the sides of the street watching
in anticipation for trouble to erupt. Arabs and Jews raise signs in
Arabic, Hebrew and English.
The signs have various messages ranging from, “Palestine for
Muslims,” “Messianic? Not a Jew, Go Home,” to, “Middle East for All
Jews!”
Rabbi Kohen approaches the UN Courthouse amidst the sea of reporters
who are asking him a myriad of questions. A CNN reporter asks,
commenting
MICHAEL ZUKER
Rabbi Kohen, this is a historic day.
How do you expect the Court to rule?
CONTINUED
22
CONTINUED
R. Kohen
(In Rapid Hebrew)
With G-D’s help, favorably. For toolong Mizrachi Jewish voices have been
drowned in the waves of violence. We
are also refugees from Arab lands. Why
should it be that only Arabs can settle on
the East Bank of the Jordan River and in land
further East?
Rabbi Kohen begins walking up the steps of the Courthouse. The
reporter, Michael Zuker walks backwards and turns sideways as he is
walking. He alternately places the microphone near his mouth and
Kohen’s mouth as he continues the brief interview.
Zuker
Rav Kohen, you and your parents were
born in Baghdad. Do you feel that the
stress of being a refugee has had any
influence on your religious ideology?
R. Kohen
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As a life-long Zionist I am committed to
living peaceably side by side with my
Arab neighbors. My status as a refugee
has only strengthened my religious convictions.
Although I believe in the
return of Y'shua as the Messiah….
Courthouse security surrounds Kohen as he enters the Courthouse. They
hand him a security pass bearing his photo.
INT. UN COURTHOUSE –DAY-
Security escort Kohen as he walks to the courtroom. Benches line the
hallways where groups of people sit or stand
quietly talking. Lawyers holding brief cases read through
legal documents.
CONTINUED23
CONTINUED
Two Arab women and a child sit outside the door of the courtroom
Kohen is about to enter. One is Musa’s wife and son. The other is
Mustafa’s wife. They look in wonder at Kohen as he enters the
Courtroom. They stand and follow him and the security officers into
the Courtroom.
INT. UN COURTROOM –DAY-
Bright sunlight shines through the high arched windows. Dust
particles glimmer in the sunlight. Through a side door Musa and
Mustafa enter the Courtroom manacled and escorted by UN Soldiers. A
soldier has a hand on the upper arm of both Musa and Mustafa. They
both look over at their families and smile briefly. They are directed
to be seated by their escorts.
Rabbi Kohen sits at a table near the bar preparing on a yellow legal
pad a few points he intends to make to the court. Sitting at a table
next to him are dignitaries of the State of Israel and the Kingdom of
Jordan.
Sitting in the nearer rows of benches are the few reporters allowed
into the Courtroom. A reporter with a PRESS name tag pinned to his
chest furiously scribbles notes on a steno pad in red ink. A sketch
artist begins to sketch.
The Courtroom deputy enters from the judge’s chambers and stands next
to the raised benches the three judges sit at. She announces
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Courtroom Deputy
All RISE. United Nations Regional
Court for the Middle East is now in
session. Your Honors Dyer, Hatib and
Rosen presiding.
All present in the courtroom rise. The judges enter the courtroom and
seat themselves in their high backed chairs. They begin the session
by looking down at the defendants; Kohen and the spectators. Justice
Dyer calls Rabbi Kohen’s case to bar.
CONTINUED
24
CONTINUED
Justice Dyer
UN Case No. 08-CV-004-EJ/D-H-RRabbi David Ariel Kohen, Petitioner
vs. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and
the State of Israel, Respondents.
Justice Hatib
Rabbi Kohen, the Court has carefully
reviewed your Petition. Is there any
statements you wish to make to this
court before we make a final decision?
R. Kohen(In Rapid Arabic)
I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. My family
had lived in Baghdad for centuries.
The State of Israel claims we are not entitled to settle in Israel
because
our children will not serve in the IDF.
The claims of the State of Israel are unproven and
unfounded. They are unproven because we have been
denied the right of Aliyah and thus the opportunityand privilege of serving in the IDF.
Justice Rosen
Rabbi Kohen, please slow down!
R. Kohen
With respect to settling in Jordan, Jews established
Qasar al Abd. As mentioned in
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the Dead Sea Scrolls Petra was a place of refuge for
Messianic Jews. Rather than fight in various wars
against Rome, Messianic Jews settled in Pella, Jordan.
My ancestors, secret anusim settled in Pella. Because
of Islam, Messianic Jews fled to Baghdad.
CONTINUED
25
CONTINUED
Rabbi Kohen
As refugees from Iraq we believe that Treaty
law entitles us to settle on the East Banks of
the Jordan River.
Justice Rosen raises her head. She is looking at papers before her
but slowly lowers the papers and focuses her attention on Rabbi Kohen
while adjusting her glasses.
EXT. NEAR EAST JERUSALEM UN REGIONAL COURT –DAY-
Arabs and Mizrachi Jews in various groups stand in the street
discussing in Arabic the UN Court cases. As taxis rush through the
street using excessive speeds CNN Reporter Zuker stands in Nablus
Street warily asking various questions as he dodges traffic.
During a lull in traffic Zuker asks a man holding a sign that depicts
a map of Palestine without reference to the State of Israel. Over and
under the map words read in English, Hebrew and Arabic, "Palestinefor all Jews."
Zuker
What do you expect the Court to decide?
MIZRACHI JEW
It depends on which case you refer to.
Rabbi Kohen has a strong case and the Court
should rule for him.
Zuker What about the Ajun case?
Mizrachi Jew
If they are guilty they should confess and
accept punishment. Perhaps that would be best.
We are trying a new thing here today so who knows
how a Court of this type will rule.
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INT. UN COURTROOM –DAY-
R. Kohen
I have a map here which I wish to display to
the Honorable members of this Court.
CONTINUED
26
CONTINUED
Rabbi Kohen produces a map that depicts the boundaries of
Israel as agreed upon by Chaim Weizman and King Faisal I of
Iraq. He holds the map up for the Justices of the Court to view.
R. Kohen
This map depicts the boundaries of Israel that was
decided upon by a treaty between the representative of
the Jewish Diaspora, Chaim Weizman, the First
President of Israel and the King of Iraq, Faisal I.
Jordanian Islamic law mandating that Jews may not settle in theKingdom of Jordan is an official breach of the Weizman-Faisal Treaty
signed at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER
Your Honors. With all due respect, Rabbi Kohen must
slow his speech down! The State of Israel has Treaties
with the Kingdom of Jordan, Egypt and more recently
with the State of Palestine! The Weizman-Faisal Treaty
is not recognized in International Law. Certainly not
by most scholars….
R. Kohen
We are entitled to settle in the boundaries
established by that Treaty; the Sykes-Picot Agreement
of 1916 notwithstanding.
Justice Hatib
And why is the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916
not binding international law?
R. Kohen
A secret war time agreement between theFrench and British cannot bind public
affairs without consent of the body politic
concerned.
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27
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CONTINUED
R. Kohen
In silence they allowed a Treaty to
be signed between a representative of my
government and a representative of the
Jewish People without making any objections
thereto.
Martial law must not be allowed to
dictate the conditions under which a free
society is permitted to live.
Justice Dyer
Rabbi Kohen, what you suggest to this Court
is that the Court undoes 92 years of
politics for the sake of a legal principal? This
is incredulous. Unheard of….
Rabbi KohenWhat I am suggesting is that law is law and
no government, not the British, nor the
French are immune from it.
I submit to the Court that the establishment
of the Hashemite Islamic Kingdom of Jordan was a
direct result of the Sykes-Picot Agreement. It
was illegal in its inception. A violation of
Jewish and Palestinian
sovereignty. I merely request that this
Court honor the right to self-determination!
Justice Dyer
Should this Court hear Palestinian
Petitions as well? This would interfere with the
sovereignty of long established nations. Why should this
Court intervene in such matters?
Rabbi Kohen
Without this Court's intervention by Judicial Decree,
the UN Charter and the
CONTINUED
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CONTINUED
R. Kohen
Universal Declaration of Human Rights will have little
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or no force in international law.
The resort to the rule of law aids in the process of peaceful
resolution of international conflict and is the only alternative to
the violence that has plagued Jews and Palestinians for more than
fifty years.
Justice Rosen
Rabbi Kohen, why should the Palestinians be
bound by the Weizman-Faisal Treaty if they were
not a party to nor consented to it?
Rabbi Kohen
The Weizman-Faisal Treaty is a secular
Treaty espousing the doctrine of Parens
Patriae which mandates equality for all those
coming within its purview.
Additionally, I remind this Court that Islamis not a religion of force and therefore,
Muslims may not insist that Jews live under
Islamic rule as dhimmi!
Mustafa once again has focused on the portrait of Moshe ben Maimon,
(Maimonides). His expression changes to a smile.
Rabbi Kohen
In closing, the plight of Mizrachi Jewish refugees who
were forced from Arab lands cannot endure in society.
We Mizrachi, like our Palestinian Arab cousins, are second class
citizens or denied citizenship altogether. We are entitled to final
settlement of our claims.Justice Dyer notices Mustafa's gaze and focus's his attention on
Mustafa. Their vision locks with intense gazing at one another.
CONTINUED
29
CONTINUED
Justice Dyer then looks over at Rabbi Kohen.
Justice Dyer
We will let you know our final decision.
EXT. NEAR EAST JERUSALEM UN REGIONAL COURT –DAY-
Arabs and Mizrachi Jews in various groups stand in the
street discussing in Arabic the UN Court case against Mustafa and
Musa. As taxis rush through the street using excessive speeds CNN
Reporter Zuker stands in Nablus Street warily asking various
questions of those waiting a decision from the Court. Zuker asks a
Muslim man
Zuker
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What do you expect the Court to decide?
MUSLIM MAN
My Palestinian parents were forced to flee
the advance of the Yisraeli's. I too was born
in Baghdad. The UN created the Zionist State, why
should they rule in favor of Palestinian Muslims?
The man looks up at the UN Flag next to the Israeli, Egyptian,
Jordanian and Palestinian flags flapping in the breeze.
INT. UN COURT EAST JERUSALEM –DAY-
Justice Dyer
UN Case No. 08-CR-001 AND 002-EJ/D-H-R.
United Nations, Petitioner vs. Mustafa
Walid Ajun and Musa ibn Radwan, Defendants.
Defendant Ajun stand in the dock. (Beat)Defendant Ajun?
A UN soldier shakes Mustafa's shoulder. Mustafa lost in thought
suddenly turns, acknowledges the soldier and then looks over at
Justice Dyer when the soldier gestures towards the Judges with an arm
outstretched, his palm facing upwards.
30
EXT. STEPS OF UN REGIONAL COURT EAST JERUSAELM –DAY-
Rabbi Kohen exits the Courthouse and CNN Reporter Zuker quickly
begins asking him questions.
Zuker
Rabbi Kohen, You spent quite a long time
in the Courthouse. Is there anything in
particular you wish to say?
Rabbi Kohen
As an admirer of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, I
think his Epistle to Yemen, discouragingmilitant Zionism has been a well taken and
restraining force for Mizrachi Jews.
It remains a shame to Palestinians that they
have insisted on violence as a means to
resolving their conflicts rather than the rule
of law.
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Zuker
How does that reflect on the case against
Defendants Ajun and ibn Radwan?
Rabbi Kohen
The Weizman-Faisal Treaty stands as the only secular
legal agreement enacted by a representative of the
Arabs that meets the demands of Arab Palestinians.
Zuker
I'm sorry I missed part of what you said. What is it
that you are suggesting? That religion is a private
affair that should remain out of politics?
Rabbi Kohen
Modern Zionism is not religious Zionism. Neither
religious Jews, nor Muslims or Christians can dictate
by force and violence how minority religious groups
shall be treated!
CONTINUED
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CONTINUED
Rabbi Kohen
At least Maimonidies was right in that we all have
free will. Yes, leave religion out of all politics.
ZukerI'm sorry, did you say Maimonidies?
Rabbi Kohen
Yes. He argued in The Guide for the Perplexed , that
although the Muslim Kalamists were right in their
conclusion that all have a free will, they arrived at
their conclusion by faulty reasoning.
Zuker
Ah, The Great Jewish Physician to Sultan Saladin of
Egypt. Well, he lives again today.
INT. UN COURT EAST JERUSALEM –DAY-
Justice Dyer
Defendants Ajun and ibn Radwan; once
again the Court asks how you plead?
Neither Musa nor Mustafa respond. Mustafa is clearly uncomfortable.
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He quickly glances at the paintings on the courtroom wall then looks
back at Justice Dyer.
Justice Dyer
If your decisions remain the same then we
will conclude this hearing and take the case under
advisement.
Justice Dyer looks intently at Mustafa and Musa. Then he raises his
arms in resignation, palms upward and bent at the wrists, stands and
Justice Hatib and Justice Rosen stand as well. They turn from their
chairs and walk single file following Justice Deyer into the Judges
chambers. The door closes after them with the sound of finality.
FADE TO BLACKNESS