Documentary: "The Billboard from Bethlehem

A Film from IWagePeace Founder, Bruce A. Barrett, Director/Producer

Israeli veterans who served in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank with Palestinian fighters who grew up under occupation, trained in Jordan, fought, and were imprisoned courageously face their enemies alone and unarmed. In 2007, with help from Bruce Barrett, film director/producer and the owner of an American billboard company,  the Combatants For Peace brought children from both sides, to hand paint a giant "peace mural" in the West Bank.  Calling them "true heroes," Barrett guides us through the conflict as experienced by the fighters weaving facts, images, and personal reflections with the engaging visual talisman of a hundred children and peace warriors from opposite sides hand painting their message of peace and justice for all. The 48-foot billboard returned to the United States to visit a mosque, a synagogue, and a church, before being displayed on busy American highways.

BillBoard From Bethlehem

The film may be viewed in it's entirety at Culture Unplugged: The Billboard From Bethlehem, Documentary, 67 minutes, 2009

On Memorial Day Week End of 2007, IWagePeace founder and Connecticut native Bruce Barrett, with artist Russell Rainbolt, joined 100 Israeli and Palestinian children along witp former Israeli soldiers and former Palestinian armed resisters to hand paint a giant 48-foot long peace mural in the occupied West Bank. Their journey with the hand painted sign is documented in this award winning film "The Billboard From Bethlehem" featuring the Combatants for Peace. The documentary has screened internationally and received four film festival awards.

The Combatants are gripping in their honesty, love for country, and courage under fire. In the words of Rabbi Herbert Brockman, The Billboard From Bethlehem is "a monumental work, not because it was conceived that way, not because it is large; but in its hope that peace is possible, and that we must do everything in our power to promote an end to the violence that violates the idea that all people are made in God's image.

"Through this billboard we wish to send a message of hope to Americans and...invite them to be more active in our struggle for peace."

...Avner Wishnitzer, Israeli member of Combatants for Peace

"A must see...The Billboard From Bethlehem is the story of a real battle, launched by the combatants, who knowing the price of war, have opted for peace instead."


...Dr. Anat Biletzki, Chairperson of the Board, B'Tselem, 2001-2006

"By bringing together Palestinians and Israelis, Barrett provides an opportunity to break down stereotypes and to foster human community across borders and across cultures. The story of The Billboard from Bethlehem is worth seeing."

... Dr. Peter E. Makari, Executive Director, Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church

"I watched this [film] shedding tears both of sadness and of hope... it captures the human spirit to rise above tragedy."

...Rabbi Herbert Brockman, Ph.D., D.D. Congregation Mishkan Israel, Hamden CT

Wine Country Film Festival

Wine Country Film Festival
Napa Sonoma , CA
"Mondavi Award
for Peace and Cultural Understanding"

ReelHeART Film Festival

ReelHeART Film Festival
Toronto, Canada
"Best Documentary Film"

Bushwick Film Festival

Bushwick Film Festival
Brooklyn, NY
"The Humanitarian Award"

Documentary Film Star Award

The Indie Gathering   Cleveland, Ohio   
"Documentary  Star Award"

IWagePeace is a Connecticut 501(c)(3) not for profit that inspires and educates Americans about peacemaking through creative interfaith gatherings, community service projects, public displays of art, and more.  Our work is made possible by your spiritual and physical presence.  We hope you'll join us.

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West Haven, CT 06516