With an exclusive pre-recorded interview with Guri Alfi and Moshe Samuels

Israeli comedian Guri Alfi embarks on a journey to explore the profound impact of October 7 on the identity, security and status of Jews in the United States. Through intimate personal stories—from families of hostages and individuals confronting rising antisemitism to young Jews grappling with intergenerational divides on Israel—the film makes these complex issues accessible to a broader audience. It delves into key developments after October 7, including the isolation felt by many American Jews, the rise in hate crimes and the growing quest for renewed belonging within their communities. Guided by Guri Alfi’s signature mix of empathy and humor, the film masterfully balances deep emotional resonance with moments of levity, offering a message of hope in challenging times. This film serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 TV miniseries The New Jew, which earned widespread praise in Israel and at film festivals across the United States. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e2937d4ba9842c9384156792fbf2096d.png" width="126">GURI ALFIGuri Alfi-Aharon, 49, is an Israeli actor, director, screenwriter, producer, stand-up comedian, voice actor, comedian and television host. In 2007, he appeared in Avi Nesher’s The Secrets, and in 2010, Eran Riklis’ The Human Resources Manager (for which he was nominated for an Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actor), both of which have been shown at the Festival. For 8 seasons starting in 2010, he regularly participated in the satire show The State of the Nation on Israel’s Channel 2. He also was the host for the 2021 The New Jew.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e90d19183948be10698fbd02053b295f.png" width="126">MOSHE SAMUELSWith an extensive experience as an emissary and educator in Israel and the United States, Samuels has served as the CEO of Shazur/Interwoven, a nonprofit organization established to connect Israelis with American Jewry and help bridge the gap between the two significant centers of the Jewish world today. Throughout his career, Moshe has traveled across the globe, leading workshops, staff training and seminars for diverse Jewish communities. The idea for The New Jew was inspired by the meaningful encounters he experienced during his travels, which have profoundly shaped his Jewish and Israeli identity.

English

The New Jew: Days of War (היהודי החדש: ימים של מלחמה)

The New Jew Interview

The New Jew: Days of War

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Fall 2025 - Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema

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Our Fall, 2025 Festival is hybrid (both IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL)! There is only one film that will be shown in person—For the Love of a Woman, on the evening of October 25. Use your ALL-ACCESS Pass or HOUSEHOLD STREAMING Pass, or purchase individual streaming tickets to watch the remaining five streaming-only films any time from 12:00 am on Sunday, October 26, until 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 2. PLEASE NOTE: Once you “unlock" a particular film, you will have only 72 hours in which to watch it, so it is advisable to not unlock all your films at once.

In its 17th year, the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema (CFIC) shows are Israel's most current internationally award-winning feature films, documentaries, shorts and TV series, with guest appearances by Israeli filmmakers.

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.