The Jewish Film Society, the Webster University Film Series and the Jewish Community Relations Council will screen “Bethlehem,” the third film in a series of three that focuses on various aspects of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves.

The film tells the story of the complex relationship between Razi, an Israeli Secret Service officer, and his teenage Palestinian informant Sanfur, the younger brother of Ibrahim, a highly wanted Palestinian militant. Razi, determined to capture or assassinate Ibrahim, recruited Sanfur when he was just 15, investing all his energy in the kid and developing a very intimate, almost fatherly relationship with him.  Sanfur, who has always lived in his brother’s shadow, thrives on Razi’s attention. Now 17, he struggles to navigate between Razi’s demands and his loyalty to his brother, living a double life and lying to both. When the Israeli Secret Service discovers how deeply involved Sanfur is in his brother’s activities, Razi is accused of crossing professional lines and is ordered to sacrifice Sanfur in an upcoming attempt to assassinate Ibrahim. As preparations for the military strike are underway both Razi and Sanfur are forced to make choices that will irreversibly change their lives. 

Jill Evans Petzall, adjunct professor in film theory at Washington University, Webster University, and University of Missouri-St. Louis and media artist, and Nancy E. Berg, professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at Wash U, are panelists for a discussion following the screening moderated by Batya Abramson-Goldstein, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

The film is free with membership to the Jewish Film Society and $6 for the general community. Call Zelda Sparks at the JCC (314-442-3169) for more information on how to join the Jewish Film Society.