Not Quite Jerusalem

Synopsis

Pete, Mike, Carrie, and Dave— arrive on a Kibbutz in Israel expecting a carefree working holiday but find themselves grappling with hard labor, cultural differences, and their own personal failures.

The narrative explores the strained dynamics among the group as they adjust to the rigorous demands of kibbutz life, under the scorching Israeli sun. Mike, a Cambridge dropout, develops a romantic relationship with Gila, an Israeli woman completing her national service. Their budding romance highlights the stark contrast between their backgrounds and attitudes, particularly Gila’s disdain for the English volunteers’ laziness and apathy.

Kember’s sharp dialogue and nuanced characterizations bring to life the frustrations and comic mishaps of young people trying to find their place in a world that often seems indifferent to their dreams and efforts.