Israel Swings for Gold

<p><img alt="Laurel icon denoting the film is in competition for a Jury Prize." border="0" src="https://data.ajff.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/laurel_2023_JuryPrize_01.png" style="width:20%; max-width:20%; margin-left:10px; float:right;" />Continuing the underdog sports saga, Israel’s baseball team competes for Olympic gold, facing unexpected bigotry along the way. Comprised of Jews from all over, including Americans, Team Israel’s shared sense of identity unifies the blue-and-white squad. Reaching the Olympics in 2021, the players discover a dearth of goodwill the games ostensibly promote. Having overcome Middle East strife on the road to Tokyo, the team gets the cold shoulder from other athletes and death threats from spectators. With no media in the Olympic Village due to COVID restrictions, the athletes are given cameras to record their own experiences. This crowd-pleasing sequel to the 2017 hit <em>Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel</em> will inspire pride and cheers from baseball lovers and non-fans alike.</p>