JNS/Feb. 5, 2026
A discussion took place among Israelis in Berlin and Jews with Hebrew-sounding names about how to handle city Uber drivers after Oct. 7, 2023, the majority of whom are of Arabic or Turkish descent. Some Israelis, especially mothers of young children, have spoken about changing their names or avoiding speaking Hebrew on ride apps, given the distrust and fear of drivers whom they assume are pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel by default.
The film “Where To?” premiering at the Berlinale—part of the “Perspectives” section for first-time feature filmmakers—presents a way for Israelis and Palestinians to navigate the Berlin streets together.
By Israeli writer Assaf Machnes, it opens with Hassan (played by Arab-Israeli actor Ehab Salami) picking up a 20-something, good-looking party-goer, Amir (played by Ido Tako), who is making out with his blond German boyfriend. Hassan is visibly uncomfortable, but he wonders if “Amir” might be Arab. Amir himself hadn’t realized that his name is also an Arabic one.
The truth comes out, and Hassan replies that they are “neighbors.” His parents are originally from the Galilee, having survived the nakba (the “disaster” or “catastrophe” of the establishment of the modern-day State of Israel in 1948) before eventually settling in Jenin in Samaria.
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