Mohammed Al Kurd is a Palestinian teenager growing up in the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in the heart of East Jerusalem. When Mohammed turns 13, his family is forced to give up part of their home to Israeli settlers, who are leading a campaign of court-sanctioned evictions to guarantee Jewish control of the area. Shortly after the evictions start, Mohammed’s family and other residents begin peacefully protesting against the evictions. In a surprising turn, they are quickly joined by scores of Israeli supporters who are horrified to see what is being done in their name. My Neighborhood follows Mohammed’s story as he comes of age in the midst of unrelenting tension and remarkable cooperation in his backyard. Highlighting Mohammed’s own reactions to the highly volatile situation, reflections from family members and other evicted residents, accounts of Israeli protesters and interviews with Israeli settlers, My Neighborhood chronicles the resolve of a neighborhood and the support it receives from the most unexpected of places. While most films about Israeli-Palestinian conflict give ample attention to violence and extremism, My Neighborhood focuses on the courageous efforts of those pursuing a more constructive path without arms.

* Funded by DMZ Fund 2010​