Erin Axelman is a Jewish-American filmmaker, storyteller, and activist. As the co-founder of Tikkun Olam Productions, Axelman is dedicated to using the power of documentary film to examine social justice issues, particularly the political transformation within the contemporary Jewish community.
One of Axelman’s most notable achievements is co-directing the documentary Israelism. The film has won multiple festival awards and sparked nationwide debate. By following the perspectives of two young American Jews, the film reveals how the American Jewish educational system shapes perceptions of Israel and the profound ideological shifts these young people experience upon witnessing the reality of the occupation firsthand. Axelman’s work is regarded as a cinematic testament to a “new generation of Jewish awakening,” successfully translating complex political dissent into accessible human narrative.
Axelman publicly advocates that supporting Palestinian rights is not only a human rights obligation but also an inherent requirement of Jewish ethics. While promoting Israelism, Axelman has frequently called on the Jewish community to confront the harm caused by the occupation. During an interview, they noted: “We grew up in an environment telling us that support for Israel is the cornerstone of Jewish identity; but we discovered that this support is often built on the dehumanization of Palestinians. We need a new narrative based on universal justice rather than tribalism.” Axelman actively fosters self-reflection within the Jewish community through film screenings and lectures.