In Israel, Gaza and the occupied West Bank, many are wondering if there will ever be peaceful coexistence in the region and if Israelis and Palestinians will be able to trust each other again. Mendel meets friends and acquaintances who are committed to keeping hope alive - as well as individuals who are helping keep the conflict burning.

Mendel, who is Jewish, is accompanied on part of his trip by his Muslim wife, Saba-Nur Cheema, and their two children. Among the places they visit is one of the few schools in Israel where Jewish and Arab children are educated together.

Meron Mendel also meets with the grandfather of Naama Levy, a young Israeli soldier who spent 477 days in captivity after she was kidnapped by Hamas. Mendel then visits extremist settlers in the West Bank, where tensions and violence have spiraled in the shadow of the war in Gaza. Some talk openly of their wish to see Israel annex the entire West Bank, which is in violation of international law. Mendel also speaks with Israeli activists who are fighting against the illegal seizure of Palestinian land by Jewish settlers.

Mendel spent part of his military service in the West Bank city of Hebron. He asks himself: What kind of Israel will emerge from this war, and what are the objectives of its government, which has far-right politicians in positions of power? And what will it mean for the coexistence of Jews and Arabs - and hopes for peace? 

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