Ambassador Huckabee to Attend MOTJ Israeli Premiere of The Prophet

Since October 7, veteran journalist Melissa Francis has covered the war firsthand, driven by a commitment to understanding the complex realities surrounding Israel and the rise of antisemitism.

Her new film, The Prophet, moves beyond traditional documentary storytelling, offering a cinematic experience that seeks to rise above daily headlines and public debate. Through the lens of a personal story and firsthand testimony, the film illuminates the human spirit, resilience, and the shared values that lie at the heart of our common humanity.

Melissa Francis is neither Jewish nor Muslim. She embarked on this journey without a preconceived position, but found a mission: to confront the fog of misinformation in the United States and advocate for truth, for our children, and for the world they will inherit.

The evening will begin with a reception and cocktail gathering, followed by remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Afterwards, Francis, the film’s writer and director, will share insights into the creative process and the journey behind the film’s production. She will then be joined by the film’s cinematographer, Amir Sheinbaum, for a fireside chat. The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A session.

Bringing together filmmakers, journalists, and guests from Israel and the United States, the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem is proud to present a film that sparks conversation about leadership, freedom, and human resilience. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and explore the human, social, and moral questions at the heart of the story.

Admission is free of charge with advance registration. Seating is limited. Registration will open soon.

About the Film

On October 7, Erez Eshel warns his son: “Stay alert—something big is going to happen tomorrow.” At 6:30 the following morning, his son confirms that intuition in a phone call.

Eshel puts on his uniform and rushes to Gaza, fighting shoulder to shoulder with his sons. Over the next two years, he is drawn deep into the war, determined to defend his people and bring everyone home. Then comes a dramatic turn: Eshel’s name becomes linked to allegations of genocide brought before the International Criminal Court.

Interwoven with footage from the 1990 documentary To Be an Officer, which portrays a twenty-year-old Eshel as an idealistic cadet, The Prophet traces his journey from a young man filled with faith and hope to a seasoned soldier, mentor, teacher, and leader.

With intimate access to Eshel’s journey, political urgency, and spiritual depth, the film poses a timeless question: What is the price of freedom—and who is willing to pay it?