About Our Boys

'Our Boys' is a 2019 TV series co-produced by Keshet Studios and HBO that revolves around the true events that transpired in the summer of 2014 in Israel, leading up to the outbreak of war in Gaza. The series primarily focuses on the brutal murder of Palestinian teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir and its aftermath.

Making / Production

The series was created by Hagai Levi, Joseph Cedar, and Tawfik Abu-Wael. It is distinguished due to its harrowing storytelling and the deep dive into the Jewish and Arabic perspectives of the tragic event. The aim was not merely to tell a story but also to ignite conversation about the decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict.

Actors

• Shlomi Elkabetz, playing the role of Simon, a terrorism agent of Israel's internal security service. His portrayal of Simon's inner turmoil was deeply moving.
• Adam Gabay plays Avishay Elbaz, a yeshiva student who gets embroiled in the tragic event. He portrayed the character's conflict brilliantly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Although the series is based on true events, some parts are fictionalized for narrative purposes.
• Our Boys is shot in both Hebrew and Arabic representing the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region.
• Adam Gabay is the son of one of Israel's most famous comedians, Eyal Gabay.

Awards

While the series did not win any notable awards, it received a nomination for Best Cinematography for a Non-fiction Program at the 72nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• "You can be a Jew and not be Jewish." - Avishai
• "Nothing justifies killing a boy." - Simon

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting background score by Antonio Pinto enhanced the series' gripping narrative
• Uri Ophir's "Shir HaPlazot" contributed to the show's overall atmosphere.