A Borrowed Identity

Eyad, portrayed by Tawfeek Barhom, is a talented Palestinian teenager granted acceptance into a prestigious Israeli school. As his father, Ali Suliman, drives him to Jerusalem, he offers a heartfelt message, reminding Eyad that while the Palestinian people once yearned for victory over their Jewish adversaries, their current aim is to coexist with dignity.

Upon entering this new academic environment, Eyad faces significant challenges in adapting. His Israeli classmates derogatorily refer to him as “Ayid,” and many look down on him. However, everything shifts when he meets Naomi, played by Danielle Kitsis. Their bond begins when Eyad assists her with her chemistry studies, leading to frequent meetings at a local café.

In a parallel storyline, Eyad is paired with Yonatan, portrayed by Michael Moshonov, a disabled Israeli teen. Both feeling alienated in their own ways, Eyad and Yonatan form a deep friendship. As Eyad’s relationship with Naomi blossoms, the complexity of their romance grows. Despite the antagonism from some peers, Eyad excels academically, gaining the respect of fellow students. He even ventures into entrepreneurship, selling falafel and bagels, finally finding his footing within the school.

However, tensions arise during a fateful outing when an Israeli soldier overhears Eyad declaring his love for Naomi in Arabic. The incident escalates as the soldier aggressively demands to see Eyad’s identification. In English class, Eyad and Naomi wish to share their love with the world, but Naomi’s revelation about her relationship with a Palestinian boy leads her parents to prohibit her from attending school. In a bold move, Eyad drops out himself and requests the principal to inform Naomi’s family of his decision, allowing her to return.

This choice infuriates Eyad’s father, resulting in Eyad being unwelcome at home. He relocates to a flat in East Jerusalem and begins the search for employment, ultimately securing a job as a dishwasher after numerous rejections.

As Eyad navigates these tumultuous changes, Yonatan’s health takes a turn for the worse, leaving him unable to move. Trusting Eyad, Yonatan’s mother, portrayed by Yael Abecassis, invites him to live with them, recognizing Eyad’s capability to assist her in caring for Yonatan.

In a twist of fate, Eyad realizes the parallels between his and Yonatan’s lives. He takes Yonatan’s Israeli ID and begins working as a waiter. Though Yonatan’s mother soon discovers this deception, she permits him to continue under the condition that his identity remains a secret. Using Yonatan’s ID, Eyad takes and excels in Yonatan’s final exams, scoring exceptionally well for both of their futures.

As time passes, Naomi enlists in the IDF and confides in Eyad about her growing frustration with the dishonesty surrounding their relationship. Eventually, she decides to end things between them. Tragedy strikes when Yonatan passes away, prompting Eyad to inform the Muslim authorities of his death while posing as Yonatan. Together with Yonatan’s mother, they attend the funeral, and the story concludes with a poignant blank screen, symbolizing their shared sorrow and loss.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:06