Blues By The Beach

Any American who has spent time in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv knows about Mike’s Place.  I had quite a few trips to the Jerusalem location during my semester in Israel, and I have many friends who visited the Tel Aviv location, located next to the US Embassy on Tel Aviv beach.

Mike’s Place is essentially an American ex-pat haven.  If you order a  drink in Hebrew, the bartender will respond in English.  American sports are often shown on the TVs and projector screens.  Bands that play classic rock from the US (and UK) play on the stages most nights of the week.

Mike Baxter was in Israel filming a documentary on a terrorist during the Intifada and decided to change gears while already in Israel.  He decided to make a film about living in Israel under the threat of terror.  He focused on the American bar in Tel Aviv, Mike’s Place.

A terrorist attack took place at Mike’s Place one night.  That night, Jack was there with his camera.  He was filming as the explosion happened.

That attacked changed Jack’s life.  It took the lives of several of his friends.  People that Jack interviewed for the film had their lives taken that night.

Jack completed his documentary with the help of Joshua Faudem, another Mike’s Place friend.  The film is now available to view online and the DVD is going to be released in March.

It is rare that I advertise in a post, let alone for free, but this film is one that I think everyone should see.  It can help you understand life in Israel from a much different perspective.

Visit Blues By The Beach online.