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Lemon Treeis the moving-image embodiment of this photo.
The judge rules in favor of the defense minister.
Until the grove is uprooted, it will be fully encircled by a fence, Salma forbidden from entering.
She appeals the decision, taking it all the way to Israels supreme court.
The trees start to wither within a militarized fence as the soil begins to rot, unnourished.
Trees are like people, Abu Hussam says in his testimony before the supreme court.
They need tender loving care.
It is telling that Riklis himself served in the IDF during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
The Israeli director is aware of the havoc and destruction wreaked in the name of self-defense.
InLemon Tree, this voice of empathy comes from the ministers wife, Mira.
In every shot from Miras perspective, Salma is gentle, tender, sometimes crying.
They stand before each other, wordless, and exchange subtle smiles.
Still, Salma is crushed.
Your proposal dishonors me, she tells the judge.
My trees are real.
My life is real.
Youre already building a wall around us.
Now, instead of the lemon grove, the minister looks out onto slabs of concrete.
